The Art of Kolam

Kolam is a traditional geometric art form from South India.

Kolam is made daily by women at house entrances in South India.

Rice flour is the classic material used to draw kolam patterns.

Some kolams use white stone powder, chalk, or natural color powders.

Kolam patterns are symmetrical lines drawn around a grid of dots.

More complex kolams appear during festivals with added colors.

Kolam invites prosperity and welcomes the goddess Lakshmi inside.

Rice flour also feeds ants and birds, inviting all creatures in.

Kolam lines must be complete to keep evil spirits outside homes.

Kolam designs use symbols like triangles, circles, lotuses, and stars.

Special kolams at weddings often stretch down the street.

Kolam art passes from mothers to daughters through generations.

Kolam designs now appear in digital art and social media worldwide.

Kolam algorithms help computer software draw complex artistic patterns.

Kolam is more about precision and symmetry than vibrant colors.