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Kolam
 Region
: Tamil Nadu
Type
: Decorative Artwork
Consists Of
: White Dots Around Which The Intertwined Lines Are Drawn
Kolam is the pride of Tamil Nadu, Andhra and Karnataka (although there may be some differences from area to area, they are essentially the same ).
Basically they are line drawings, in geometric and symmetrical shapes, drawn with dry rice powder or with rice paste. Rice powder is used basically because it is white in colour and readily available. Also, it serves to feed ants to show one must take care of other forms of life too.
The dry, coarsely ground rice powder is placed between the thumb and forefinger and rubbed together and moved along a predetermined design by the drawer. At times the kolams are outlined in red with 'kavi' a red brick paste, to make it look grander and more beautiful."
Jaya said that Kolam is not only pleasing to the eye, but also religious. There are kolams called
YANTRAS, which come under this category. Yantra means an instrument in Sanskrit and these yantras are energy designs. Such kolams are drawn around the fire pit during ceremonies. One of the most well-liked yantras are those drawn to depict and worship the 9 planets
(NAVA GRAHA KOLAMS) ; these are drawn on the different days of the week and each of them has a special sloka to go with it -
Hrim, Klim, etc.
The Use Of Colours
 The original Tamil Kolam merely consists of white dots around which the intertwined lines are drawn, whereas the North Indian "Rangoli" is made up of various colours. In recent times, the use of colours has become popular even in South India .
The Art Of Kolam
The "Kolam" is the most important kind of female artistic expression in India. It is a time old cultural tradition of South Indian families. Young girls learn this artwork from their mother, grandmother and aunties. The skill in drawing Kolams is still one of the criteria on the basis of which a potential bride is judged in rural areas.
Early at sunrise, women and girls clean the ground in front of their houses with water and cow dung in order to draw a Kolam there. They first outline an intricate geometrical pattern with individual dots, and then draw lines around these dots. Ideally, a Kolam consists of one single uninterrupted line.
The Kolam is an almost mathematical type of art that has its own fixed rules. According to these rules, the most intriguing patterns may be composed. Originally, Kolams were strictly geometrical, but gradually a more representational style has emerged which is used especially on festival days. Corresponding to the festival that is celebrated, the adequate paraphernalia, such as lamps
("Kuttuvilakku"), Shivalingas, temple cars, etc. are portrayed.
Use Of Rice Powder In Kolam
 In former times, Kolams also had another purpose: since previously rice powder was used for this transitory kind of art, the drawings also provided nourishment for smaller animals, such as birds or ants. Nowadays, however, quartz powder is used instead.
Rice powder serves to feed ants to show one must take care of other forms of life. The dry, coarsely ground rice flour is placed between the thumb and the forefinger and rubbed together and moved along a predetermined design by the drawer. This is an art taught at a young age and is difficult to master unless one practices.
The Designs
The entrance decoration is a gesture of welcome. It is a symbol of inviting Goddess Mahalakshmi to home everyday. The designs are symbolic and basically common to the whole country, like geometrical patterns with line, dots, squares, circles triangles, the 'Swastika', lotus, trident conch shell, leaves, trees and flowers. No gaps to be left anywhere between the line for evil spirits to enter.
Kolam is not only aesthetic pleasing to the eye, but makes home attractive and spiritual. "Navagraha
Kolam", "Iswarya Kolam" are spiritual Kolams. For opening ceremonies, hotel promotions, "Bharata
Natya Arrangetrams", Kolams are very popular. Foreigners also enjoy this traditional art.
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