Kolam with Grace Gitadelila and KolamYoga
Written by Ahilya
At the entrance of millions of homes, workplaces and temples across Tamil Nadu you will find precise geometric patterns drawn on the floor by Tamil women. In addition to being beautiful works of art, these designs, known as Kolams, are steeped in philosophical meaning, and are symbolic of the cycle of life.
Just before daybreak, these women wake up and begin the ritualistic process. It starts with the cleaning of the surface where the designs will be drawn, and sometimes involves lining the area with cow dung, which creates a uniform surface and is also considered to be cleansing in Hindu culture. Traditionally drawn using a dry rice flour mix known as Kolapodi, these days you will find people using chalk and other stone powders mixed with colours. There are no tools except the nimbleness of their hands. Using the thumb as the guide, these women are able to place the powder on the ground in swift motions, creating precise and perfect patterns just from memory.
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