Wednesday 9 November 2016

Simplicity Matters!


Most of the times, we complicate.
We tend to think that intricacy and complexity appeals the most.
Sadly enough, often we are wrong.
Because simplicity matters.
In fact, it is the greatest of all virtues!

“Nothing is more simple than greatness; indeed, to be simple is to be great.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

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.


8 comments:

  1. Always enjoying your Kolam drawings, friend Locomente ... and yes, simplicity is the key to happiness. Love, cat.

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  2. The words are superb! Yes, it is very difficult to attain simplicity even though it seems easy. Apt rangoli for the quote :-)
    TC, keep smiling :-)

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  3. Simple is elegant in all matters including kolas.

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  4. Life is simple but we insist on making it complicated so a wise man once said.

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  5. Lies simplicity with people having a reasonable heart.Thosewho show of are artificial.Meaningful lines,Satya.

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  6. Life is bliss with simplicity..

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