Kolam

Decorative muggu art

Kolam, or muggu, mugguli is a form of traditional decorative art that is drawn by using rice flour, white stone powder, or chalk. It originates in ancient Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India.

Women draw kolams at their home entrance as a sign of invitation and welcome into the home. The drawings get walked on, washed out in the rain, or blown in the wind. Then every morning at dawn, a fresh design is made to bring prosperity to the home. It is a daily tribute to harmonious existence with little creatures. Rice flour invites birds, ants and other small critters to have a little snack without having to walk too far.

Complex kolams are drawn for weddings, holidays and festivals days, often stretching down the streets. Lines must be completed to prevent evil spirits from entering inside the shapes, or into the home. A kolam is drawn at the temple when a devotee’s wishes are fulfilled. Kolams are also a tribute to Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and wealth.

Lakshmi standing on a lotus, by by Raja Ravi Varma

It is a matter of pride to be able to draw complicated patterns without lifting the hand off the floor. Many of these patterns are passed on generationally from mothers to daughters. The design is geometrical, composed of straight lines, curves and closed shapes, and drawn around a matrix of dots.

Many patterns are magical motifs which include zodiac symbols, the sun, moon, fish, birds, and other animals. Messages like welcome or happy new year, are also used.

Motifs and their meanings:

• Woman - triangle, pointing downward

• Man - triangle, pointing upward

• Nature - circle

• Culture - square

• Womb - lotus

• Venus & five elements - pentagram

The practice of kolam is found in Sri Lanka, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, other Asian countries and all over the world. Many kolam/muggu artists have large fan followings online and are playing a role in making the kolam art form a part of the contemporary art scene.

Links for more information:

Kolam artists - Baskl.com website. Wow, some nice art for light festival!

Kolam / Rangoli - Dsource.in website. More fun kolam art, descriptions of different types with photo examples.

Kolam - Wikimedia - Wiki media- browse hundreds of kolam designs