KOLAM AND

RANGOLI

BY- Abhay singh

 KOLAM OR RANGOLI
# In South India, a kolam takes the form of geometric patterns of dots, lines and curves made from coloured
rice flour. Kolam means 'beauty' and is known as rangoli  further up north in the country, forming drawings of
flowers or auspicious animals in the Hindu tradition and enhanced with oil lamps.   

 
# A kolam is meant to welcome Lakshmi,
the Hindu Goddess of Prosperity, into
one’s home. The decorative rice motif is
usually drawn in the front of the house,
attracting good luck and putting a smile
on the faces of visitors who come for
Deepavali festivities in the home.
 WHY IT IS DIFFERENT?
The kolam is an art form that accompanies at other
Hindu celebrations besides Deepavali, like the
harvest festivals of Ponggal in January or Onam in
early September. Every year around Deepavali,
shopping malls and commercial areas boast large,
elaborate examples of the kolam that feature rice,
peas, red beans, glitter, oil lamps, and other props to
impress the crowds. Take care not to disturb the
designs as they will be very difficult to repair!
 
 PURPOSE OF KOLAM
Kolam, in its traditional
context, is said to be
drawn to announce
auspiciousness and that
all-is-well in the
household while its
absence implies
otherwise.
The hand that feeds !   
Typically, the drawing of the kolam is
done by a young lady or young women
in the household. Because of the time,
patience and extraordinary attention to
detail needed to complete
the kolam design on the eve of
Deepavali, the family members often
draw it out together.