Stiker Kolam
Posted 2nd February 2008 at 09:27 AM by krishnaamma
Decoration was not the sole purpose of a Kolam. In olden days, kolams used to be drawn in coarse rice flour, so that the ants don't have to work so hard for a meal. The rice powder is said to invite birds and other small critters to eat it, thus inviting other beings into one's home and everyday life: a daily tribute to harmonious co-existence. It is a sign of invitation to welcome all into the home, not the least of whom is Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity.
For special occasions limestone and red brick powder (kavi) to contrast are also used. Though kolams are usually done with dry rice flour, for longevity, dilute rice paste or even paints are also used. Usually enamel paint, which stays on for years together. These kinds of kolams can be seen in many bungalows, in temples and kalyana mantaps.
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p>Modern interpretations have accommodated chalk, and the latest "technology" in kolams are actually vinyl stickers (that defeat the original purpose).</o:p>
Sticker kolams have a vast fan following, particularly in urban areas. These are available in a multitude of shapes, sizes and hues to suit everyone's needs. One just needs to remove the paper at the back of the sticker and paste it on to any clean floor.
Now they a re selling Rangoli kolam set. Inside they have double side stickers. One side you stick on the floor. and remove the paper on the kolam and take coloured rice or flour and sprinkle them on the side facing you. That is all. Your colour ful Rangoli is ready :)
For special occasions limestone and red brick powder (kavi) to contrast are also used. Though kolams are usually done with dry rice flour, for longevity, dilute rice paste or even paints are also used. Usually enamel paint, which stays on for years together. These kinds of kolams can be seen in many bungalows, in temples and kalyana mantaps.
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p>Modern interpretations have accommodated chalk, and the latest "technology" in kolams are actually vinyl stickers (that defeat the original purpose).</o:p>
Sticker kolams have a vast fan following, particularly in urban areas. These are available in a multitude of shapes, sizes and hues to suit everyone's needs. One just needs to remove the paper at the back of the sticker and paste it on to any clean floor.
Now they a re selling Rangoli kolam set. Inside they have double side stickers. One side you stick on the floor. and remove the paper on the kolam and take coloured rice or flour and sprinkle them on the side facing you. That is all. Your colour ful Rangoli is ready :)
Total Comments 10
Comments
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Dear Viji,
I too love kolams. In my house I used to put the main kolam, which we put for weddings, nichyadartham or seemandam. My mother used to wait for me to put. When I was staying in Madras, my father used to go 'paada yathra' to Tirupathi. In that Samajam Me and my sister used to put kolams. In fact we learned quickly(with in a day) by putting "ezhai" kolam in that very big hall. Our Secetary Mama, allowed us to put kolam where ever we want and we put one hole day :)
Very sweet memories, like yours.Posted 15th March 2008 at 01:58 AM by krishnaamma
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Nice blog about Kolams. I make rice flour kolam in front of door everyday, but i know only 5 simple designs. No time to make big grand ones. For special days, sticker is helpful. And we can put sticker on shelf too ( i have pictures of God in kitchen shelf only and cant put flour there, only sticker !)Posted 11th June 2008 at 12:17 AM by swarnalata.N.S. - Hi swarnalatha,
Thanks for your stepping in. Yes now a days we dont have space to put them. So sticker is helpful to us. I also pasted 'Iswariya kolam, Hrudhaya kamalam' sticker kolams in my pooja room ( shelf?) .Posted 11th June 2008 at 04:38 AM by krishnaamma -
Dear Krishnamma
i too love kolams
in our home i make kolams
and i'll be happy if u tell me more abt kolamsPosted 16th January 2009 at 08:08 PM by meerapavya -
Krishnaamma,
sticker kolam is very useful in the Flat house. I too Love Kolams.Posted 17th January 2009 at 01:41 AM by gsaikripa 
