Monday 11 April 2016

Let your Imagination Float!


When Mommy dearest got the opportunity to make a kolam (which is rare because I am mostly around), she seized the opportunity. And this kolam is a testimony of why I am what I am. She is a bundle of talent and an inspiration… Ammaji – you rock!!!

PS: Because many people asked me what a Kolam is…
Kolam refers to intricate patterns drawn both free handedly and by joining dots. These can be widely seen in the Southern part of India. Women draw this early morning, preferably before Sunrise after cleaning the courtyard. Earlier rice powder was used – it was a means to feed ants and small insects. However, these days, stone powder and even chalk is used. If such powders are used, it is called Pudi Kolam. Sometimes, brick powder will be used as outline on auspicious days, Tuesdays and Fridays. If rice powder is mixed in water and similar patterns are drawn, it is called Maavu/Maa Kolam. In West Bengal, it is called Alpona. In North India, people used rice/stone powders for the outline and fill the patterns with colors. This is called Rangoli.

It is believed that Kolam brings prosperity. It is drawn for almost all the auspicious occasions like marriages and festivals. When someone dies in the household, the family don’t draw any kolam for a year.  

Children in small towns learn the art of making kolam at a very young age. In fact, a girl who knows to draw impeccable and intricate kolam is a pride for the entire family and the village she stays. However, owing to modernization, city life and apartment culture, this art is soon dying.


4 comments:

  1. Your mom is really talented! Very rarely people draw kolams nowadays...no space near the doorstep in apartments is the main reason.

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  2. Pretty neat and lovely done by your mom!

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  3. I think it's important to provide creative activities for kids.

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  4. In my apartment, I have seen few kolams painted in front of their doors. I see it not authentic but then I pass it off with a thought, perhaps they have no choice.

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