kolam-a beautiful art form

kolam-a traditional art form

Kolam is a Tamil word refering to beauty, form, and play. This intricate art form is a traditional custom of the women of Tamil Nadu in Southern India. These designs are considered to be an important artistic expression and part of ancient Tamil culture. The art form is passed down from generation to generation by mother to daughter. Women draw kolams as a daily morning ritual.

In the early mornings, women sweep and wash the pavement in front of the entrance to their homes. They create beautiful designs called kolams that are made with bare hands using rice flour or chalk. The creation of a kolam is a spiritual practice that is a form of meditation and is done with complete concentration. Kolams are considered thresholds between the inner world of the home and the outside world. The designs remain on the pavement and eventually wash away with the activities of the day. The temporary nature of kolams symbolize the impermanence of all life. There are kolam designs for bringing prosperity to the home, for welcoming visitors, and for spiritual purification. Also, there are kolams for each day of the week. A kolam is a painted prayer.

I did not get a chance to capture a kolam with my camera. I thought I'd share this beautiful art form with this video link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kbQcGdyT86M