Kolam at Parthasarathy Temple, a photo from Tamil Nadu, South

Photographer's Note

Kolam is a form of sand painting that is drawn using rice powder by female members of the family in front of their home. It is widely practiced by Hindus in South India. A kolam is a sort of painted prayer - a line drawing composed of curved loops, drawn around a grid pattern of dots. Kolams are thought to bestow prosperity to homes.

Every morning in southern India, millions of women draw kolams on the ground with white rice powder. It is a matter of pride to be able to draw large complicated patterns without lifting the hand off the floor or standing up in between. Patterns are often passed on generation to generation, from mother to daughter.

During festivals, the ritual kolam patterns created for the occasion stretch all the way down the street. This is a kolam being drawn for the Brahmotsavam.

cagla, Dpbours, phwall has marked this note useful

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cagla (4342) 2009-04-17 2:40

A very interesting event, she's so skillful, and you've captured it just from right pov, we can even see the powder pouring out of her palm. Also your notes are very useful.Thank you very much for sharing this thoroughly interesting moment with us. Congrats, have a nice weekend.
Regards.
ぺğla.

Franch (51) 2009-04-17 2:43

Really good picture!!!
congratulations!

Dpbours (222) 2009-04-17 2:47

Hello Sridhar,

Ah, sand painting! I was already wondering why they made the floor wet before starting to paint. Well, that makes sense with sand!
Great art form this is and interesting to read your note! Thanks for sharing!

Dennis

eeboy (60) 2009-04-17 20:35

Hi Sridhar,
Nice timing and capture..b/w Kolam Super'a irukku ..!!!

Regards
Arvind

phwall (6787) 2009-04-18 4:51

My dear Boy,
What an amazing capture, perfect POV you've selected to get the whole design plus the woman actually creating it.
Great quality, the clarity of the Kolam is sensational.
As per your usual good self the accompanying note is also excellent.
Ha, who's the student now.
Warm wishes my friend
Peter