Kolam or Rangoli

These are traditional figures used to decorate the floor in India. They are called Kolam in south India and Rangoli in north India. Traditionally they are drawn with powdered rice. The classical Kolams are drawn as a single closed winding line across symmetrically placed dots. The figure is usually four sided and is four way symmetric. Sometimes they are drawn with more sides, and the symmetricity is maintained. Kolams are also used to draw borders.

There are several philosophical meanings read into the concept of Kolams. The most popular one is this.

In due course of time, people extended the art of Kolam. Today Kolams are drawn with various colours. Instead of lines running around the dots, the dots are used to give a framework to draw any picture. The classical Kolam is always abstract and purely geometric. Modern Kolams are used to depict living and non-living objects also. Thus, the classic medium of portrayal of abstract patterns has showed way to a wider form of art.

These pages are restriced to the classic form of this beautiful tradition.

• An online Kolam drawing tool
• A random Kolam generator

Here are some external links to pages related to Kolam.

• A page from Tamil Electronic Library
• A page from Hindu Universe
• A collection of modern Kolams
• An informative page on Kolams. Has tutorials, etc.
• A collection of links