Pathirikai Tamil E-News Media

In English

The word Kolam in tamil means “beauty” and it is a symbol of sanctity, success and positivity.

Kolam is a daily women’s ritualistic art form created by Tamil women throughout Tamil Nadu in southeastern India. Each day before dawn, during the Brahma muhurtham (believed to be the time when Brahma and all other deities descend to the earth) millions of women in the town, villages and the cities draw kolam on the thresholds and floors of house and temples.

These patterns are drawn using materials such as rice flour powder , colour powder, Chalk powder and flower petals at the entrance of home and within, where poosei and worship is done. Different materials are used for making these patterns to mark different occasions. Patterns are created by either joining dots (called ‘pullis’ in Tamil) to form various designs or drawn freehand. Some very special and intricate ‘kolam’ designs are passed on from one generation to another.

During festivals, weddings and other family functions ladies of the family and the neighbourhood come together to make elaborate ‘kolam’ designs. Children usually pick up the tradition by observing and helping their elders.

It is believed that drawing ‘kolam’ outside the doorstep ushers in goodness and prosperity while also making the place look beautiful and welcoming.

The ‘kolam’ is usually drawn using rice powder or paste enabling ants, little insects and birds to feed on it. This tradition is invariably an extension of the Tamil ethos of oneness with nature fostering the well-being of all living entities.

Drawing a kolam is seen as a great physical exercise. When one bends their body to draw the kolam, their back bone is bent in a position known as the Yogasana. The Yogasana is believed to strengthen the back bone, thus also giving the waist and a hip a good exercise. Completing a kolam increases one’s creativity and concentration. This is because it requires a lot of focus and patience to draw a kolam. Kolam are also believed to reduce stress and improve brain activity.

I wish the young generation to learn and practice the kolam from elders and keep our tradition alive.

Thank you

Mrs Vinisha Carpen