Madurai Kolam - Ancient Sand Print - Madurai Tourism

Kolam in an ancient tradition involving sand printing. It is mostly practiced in South India by Hindu Women. Rice Powder is used to make geometrical patterns on the floor. The pattern basically comprises of curved loops drawn around a grid of dots.

Every morning before sunrise (and sometimes every evening) the floor (threshold) is cleaned and swept. Kolams are drawn when the surface is still damp. It is said to bestow prosperity and protect homes. Sometimes before drawing the floor in waxed with cow-dung, which is said to have antiseptic properties, so it literally provides protection for the home! Throughout the day Kolams get walked upon, washed away by sand, blown away by the wind, etc. New ones are made every morning.

As a tribute to harmonious coexistence, the rice powder is also said to invite birds, ants and other little critters that eat the powder. The beautiful patterns are a sign of welcome for everyone including Godess Laxmi, the Godess of prosperity. It is said that the lines must connect at some point and the shape must be complete so that the evil spirits do not enter it thus symbolizing prevention of evils from stepping into the home.

There are simple Kolams and complex ones for festival days and special occasions. The patterns are passed on form mother to daughter. Although traditionally only rice powder was used, these days chalk, limestone, brick powder, paints and even vinyl stickers are acceptable. Devotees even volunteer to draw Kolams in temples when a wish is ‘granted’ or a job is completed successfully. Young girls often show off their kolam skills by covering the width of the whole road with a single big kolam. Kolams may also symbolize different Gods, Goddesses or Devis. Though Kolam is not as extravagant as rangoli –its north Indian counter part, it is all about precision, complexity, symmetry and providing a good exercise to the eye, hand and mind. Madurai too has its own form of street art!