Kolam is a form of drawing that is drawn by using rice flour or chalk powder using synthetically colored powders in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and some parts of Goa, Maharashtra, Indonesia, Malaysia. In South India, it is widely practiced by female Hindu family members in front of their houses.
Kolams are regionally known by different names in India, Raangolee in Maharashtra, Aripan in Mithila, Muggulu in AP, Golam in Kerala etc. more complex kolams are drawn and colors are often added during holiday occasions and special events. Kolams are thought to bring prosperity to homes. Every morning in Tamil Nadu, Millions of women draw kolams on the ground with white rice flour.
Throughout the day, the drawings get walked on, washed out in the rain or blown around in the wind, new ones are made the next day, every morning before sunrise, the floor of the owners house, or wherever the kolam may be, is cleaned with water and the muddy floor swept well to create an even surface. Cow dung is also used to wax the floors.
In some cultures, cow dung is believed to have antiseptic properties and hence provides a literal threshold of protection for the home. It also provides contrast with the white powder. In olden days kolams were drawn in coarse rice flour, so the ants would not have to walk too far or too long for a meal. The rice powder also invited birds and other small creatures to eat, thus welcoming other beings into one’s home and everyday life. It is a sign of invitation to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity.
