How to Draw a Kolam

Drawing a kolam, a symmetrical design that is created on the ground in front of a house or doorway, is a tradition practiced by millions of Hindu women in order to welcome both visitors and deities into their homes. Kolams are commonly used to welcome Lakshmi Mata, the goddess of prosperity, during the Hindu celebration of Diwali, but can also be drawn at the beginning of every morning.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Water
• Cow dung powder
• Ground rice flour
• Broom
• Limestone or red brick powder

Draw a Kolam

1. Choose an area to draw the kolam, such as a threshold, porch or anywhere else a visitor might see it before reaching your front door. Sweep the area clean, and then wet it down with water. The rice powder will stick better to a damp surface.
2. Cover the area with limestone or red brick powder in order to provide a contrast to the white rice flour. Cow dung may also be used, since it can also act as an antiseptic and therefore "protect" your home.
3. Pick a pattern for your kolam. You can copy your kolam from an existing template, or come up with your own design using an online generator (see Resources below). Generally, kolams consist of lines running around patterns of dots in a geometric pattern. Many kolams depict lotus flowers, which are particularly appropriate for welcoming Lakshmi Mata into your home. Symmetry is desirable, but not necessary.
4. Make sure that all of the lines are complete, enclosing the entire design. The idea is that if evil spirits are unable to enter the shapes of the kolam, then they will be unable to enter your home.
5. Test your skill when you draw a kolam by completing the entire design without lifting your hand from the ground. Many Hindu women consider this to be an exercise of focus and concentration, as well as a matter of pride.
6. Try drawing a rangoli, which is a more elaborate form of a kolam that uses different colors and may cover a much larger area.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be discouraged by ants or small rodents that start eating the rice flour, therefore ruining the design of the kolam. The purpose of the kolam is to welcome everyone into your home, so simply start anew every morning with a new kolam.
• It is considered bad luck to repeat the exact same kolam pattern within a 30-day period.