Q&A 13. Purpose of Kolam

இப்பதிவைத் தமிழில் படிக்க இங்கே க்ளிக் செய்யவும்.

Question: What is the purpose of drawing ‘Kolam’ in front of the house?

Answer: The tradition of drawing kolam has been with us for several centuries now. Superficially, the purpose of kolam may seem like it is a decoration that adds aesthetic value to the house. However the simple deed of drawing a few lines in front of the house carries so much meaning in both spiritual and scientific realms.

Q and A

Let’s look at the different aspects that drawing a kolam can impact:

Welcoming prosperity

Traditionally, kolam is drawn to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, who is the bestower of prosperity.  It also drives away evil spirits.  Kolam is usually symmetrical which is also an indication of balance in the Universe.

Social equality and harmony

Kolam is a sign of invitation to welcome all into the home. The ingredients for the Kolam are usually items that are readily available and inexpensive (rice flour, vegetable colouring, limestone etc). The grandeur of a Kolam is measured based on the skills of the artist and not through social status. Also, it adorns the houses of all sects and classes. Thus it is a great social equaliser.

Also,  it is possible to know the events of the house , just by looking at the Kolam in front of one’s house.

  • For example, there are Kolams that are drawn on special occasions such as weddings, naming ceremony etc
  • During festivals, different types of kolams are drawn – During the whole of Margazhi month, artists compete with each other for drawing the best Kolam.
  • Kolam can be drawn on special days of the week
  • A kolam with a flower at the centre (usually placed on top of cow dung) indicates that there is an eligible bachelor in the house.
  • Everyday kolams that are simple and elegantT
  • The absence of a kolam can signify an inauspicious event like death in the household.  

Thus it is possible to guess the events in the household even without entering the house.

Charity to Animals

Another reason to draw Kolams is that ants and other insects could feed on them. The rice powder also invites birds and other small creatures to eat it, thus welcoming other beings into one’s home everyday. Caring for all living beings around us is an integral part of Sanatana Dharma.

Physical well-being

Kolam drawing also helps physically. The act of drawing Kolam is an exerting one. There is a lot of bending of knees, waist etc and a lot of stretching of hands and upper torso as well. There are a lot of squats (standing up and sitting down) as well. Performing this activity at early morning strengthens and refreshes the body and makes us ready for our daily chores.  Drawing also improves concentration.

Relationship to mathematics

The word kolam in Tamil means ‘form’ and ‘beauty’. Not only is the Kolam beautiful, but it is also symmetric, precise and therefore complex. The designs are lines or curves around a set of dots that are closed, leaving no start or end points. A kolam requires a set of analytical skills such as counting, measuring, analysing, designing and solving. So kolam designers become good problem solvers too.

Kolams in therapy

Introducing children to kolams can improve their analytical abilities too. They get better at spatial distribution, develop patience and improve their analytical skills and counting. In fact, there are studies that indicate that autistic children respond positively to activities such as kolams. This is because, shapes and patterns activate the neural regions in the body and have a calming effect on the mind.

The purpose of Kolam is thus not merely decorative but it has far reaching consequences. While highly prevalent in Tamil Nadu, they are also popular in other states albeit with different names, Rangoli in Maharashtra, Hase in Karnataka, Muggu in Andhra an so on. It is an inherent tradition of our country and we need to preserve it to acquire the positive benefits that come with it.

Click below to view the earlier questions and answers in this series: 

https://thedal.info/category/dharmicqa/

Author Details

Rangarajan has been blogging for over 12 years now on various topics. With Thedal, he becomes one with the universe and he is hoping that his search will help him discover the eternal truth.  Please join him as he traverses through the universe across temples, philosophies and science!

2 thoughts on “Q&A 13. Purpose of Kolam”

  1. Whether performing kolam in front of others house by te neighbour is advisable or not? Kindly Clarify?

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