Kolam: Artistic Expressions of Gratitude

In South India, kolam is a daily ritual that beautifies home thresholds with its mathematically based designs. During festivals like Pongal – a harvest festival that marks the end of the traditional farming season and the beginning of the harvest – kolam becomes more complex and colorful. In this post I share suggestions about how to make a simple kolam, and inspire or intimidate you (hard to know which) with some astonishing advanced designs. I also did a small amount of research on kolam history, and significance during celebration of Pongal.

Kolam Tradition

Kolam, a centuries-old tradition, graces the thresholds of homes every day, adding beauty and gratitude to the start of each morning. Then, during Pongal festivals, kolam blossoms into a kaleidoscope of colors and intricate designs.

Every morning, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, kolams are meticulously drawn at the thresholds of homes. This practice, primarily carried out by women, unites urban and rural communities, extending its reach equally to individuals from diverse economic backgrounds, including households with varying levels of education and literacy. A geometric grid is created, from which an artwork is crafted on the clean ground using handfuls of white powdered rice. These kolams may take the form of a small, simple, hastily drawn lotus or a plain and straightforward six-pronged star, but on festival days, particularly during Pongal – the celebration of gratitude at the end of the harvest season – these displays can be astonishing in complexity and size.

Although I haven’t had the honor of seeing kolam in person, I’ve collected kolam designs from the internet world to share with you.

History of Kolam

Kolam, a centuries-old tradition, graces home thresholds every day, invoking beauty and gratitude at sunrise. During Pongal, a four-day festival filled with music, dance, gift-giving, and vibrant celebrations, families and friends unite to express gratitude for the abundant harvest, igniting kolam designs in a riot of colors and intricate patterns.

These rice flour creations have a history spanning thousands of years. Initially designed to feed ants and birds as a sign of respect for all living beings, kolam has evolved into today’s intricate artistry. Believed to invite positive energy and ward off negativity, kolam holds a place in Hindu religious practices.

Kolam patterns are rich with symbolism and cultural significance. The lotus signifies purity and enlightenment, while the ‘Kambi Kolam,’ with its interlocking lines, embodies family unity and harmony. Colors in kolam carry meaning, with white symbolizing purity and simplicity, and other hues like red and yellow representing celebration and good luck. The use of rice flour or white stone powder pays homage to agriculture and the harvest’s importance, a gesture of giving back to nature.

Your Own Kolam

Materials Needed:

1. Broom, to sweep your threshold clean
2. A measuring device such as a ruler, measuring tape, a carpenter’s square, or your clever self
3. Rice flour or similar
4. A clean, smooth surface (threshold or ground)
5. Contemporary aid: sketchbook and pencil for drawing ideas

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Mark the Central Dot: This dot often has special significance and serves as the focal point of the kolam. To make the dots and the lines to come, hold a small amount of the material between your fingers and let it flow gently as you move along the dots, then the lines. The idea is to create a solid dot, and continuous lines.
2. Determine Size and Spacing: Dot spacing should be consistent across the entire grid. For example, if you’re creating a 7×7 grid, calculate the distance between each dot both horizontally and vertically.
3. Dot Grid: The number of dots and the arrangement can vary. Common grid sizes include 5×5, 7×7, 9×9. More complex designs have larger grids.
4. Connecting the Dots: After establishing the dot grid, work within the dots to form the basic structure of the kolam. These lines create the outline and shape of the design. The lines are drawn freehand, and they can be straight, curved, or a combination of both.
5. Complete the Kolam: Continue filling in the design until it’s entirely covered with the chosen material. You can use your fingers to gently shape and adjust the lines as needed.
6. Final Touches: Once you’ve completed your kolam, take a moment to inspect it and make any necessary adjustments. Ensure that the lines are even and the design looks symmetrical.
7. Daily Practice: Keep in mind that kolam is a daily ritual for many, and like any art form, practice makes better. Start with simple designs and gradually work your way to more complex patterns as you become more comfortable.
8. Preparation: You can do kolam on the threshold of your home or on the ground. Begin by sweeping the area free of debris.

Remember that kolam is not just about the final result; it’s also about the process and the positive energy it brings to your home. Enjoy the meditative and creative aspects of this beautiful South Indian tradition as you create.

I hope you enjoy these wonderful designs of gratitude and interconnectedness today.

If you find this topic inspiring, check out the many available resources on kolam history and designs, starting with the fabulous researcher, author, and artist Chantal Jumel, from whose stories I borrowed these wonderful images. https://www.chantal-jumel.fr/bio