Heritage

Deepavali 2021: preserving values expressed in an ancient art form

The threshold art known today as kolam (or rangoli) reflects the Hindu concept of the interconnectedness of the universe

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 04 Nov 2021 10:00AM

Deepavali 2021: preserving values expressed in an ancient art form — Rangoli is an art form originating from the Indian subcontinent, in which patterns are created on the floor or a tabletop using materials such as powdered limestone, red ochre, dry rice flour, coloured sand, quartz powder, flower petals, and coloured rocks. Most households would utilise flour as it is non-toxic and safe for animals. – Syeda Imran/The Vibes pic, November 4, 2021

by Amalina Kamal

RUSHING to capture the colourful rangoli being created live before the gloomy weather catches up on us, we arrived at a home in Simpang Pulai, Perak, earlier this week, where 55-year-old kolam artist Dewi Ramasamy could be found.

Creating kolams is an everyday practice in Hindu households, however the colourful ones are preferred during festivals and other important celebrations as it is time consuming. – Syeda Imran/The Vibes pic

She had eagerly anticipated the team’s arrival ahead of the Deepavali celebration. This enthusiasm of sharing her love for the art form could be seen with the various symmetrical kolam patterns prepared in advance to welcome our visit.

Rangoli are traditionally made by girls or women, although men and boys can create them as well. – Syeda Imran/The Vibes pic

“These are the traditional kinds that most Hindu households would make at home,” said Dewi pointing out to the white dotted kolams.

“On flat surfaces we would combine a mixture of (rice/wheat) flour and water so that the patterns can stick better, while maintaining the powder form on grainy/textured surfaces for the same purpose,” she added.

Rangoli designs can be simple geometric shapes, depictions of deities, or flower and petal shapes appropriate to the given celebrations. They can also be made with elaborate designs crafted by numerous people. – Syeda Imran/The Vibes pic

For those who are intrigued, the kolam is a kind of string or knot pattern seen primarily in the Tamil Nadu state of south India.

Boasting a very attractive system of pattern formation, Kolam patterns can range from simple to complicated depending on the drawing rules.

There are two primary ways to make a rangoli, dry and wet, referring to the materials used to create the outline and (if desired) fill that outline with colour. – Syeda Imran/The Vibes pic

“The colourful kolam that you will see me making today is more widely known as ‘Rangoli’, and it is introduced relatively new. Only about 30-40 years ago,” expressed Dewi.

Using a white material like chalk, sand, paint or flour, the artist marks a centre-point on the ground and cardinal points around it, usually in a square, hexagon or circle depending on region and personal preference. – Syeda Imran/The Vibes pic

“Today, you can see it at many Hindu festivals and celebrations.

“The only time where you won’t see it is during a sad/sombre occasion,” added the kolam artist.

Though not as flamboyant as its other Indian contemporary, rangoli, which is extremely colourful, a south Indian Kolam is all about symmetry, precision, and complexity. – Syeda Imran/The Vibes pic

Whatever style each kolams represents, the symbolic meaning of this art form links it to the goddess Lakshmi, whom the kolam maker (primarily women), invite to depart her heavenly abode and rest momentarily at their thresholds reflected in the flour diagram.

In the olden days, kolams were drawn in coarse rice flour so the ants would not have to walk too far or too long for a meal. The rice powder also invites birds and other small creatures to eat it, thus welcoming other beings into one's home and everyday life: a daily tribute to harmonious coexistence. – Syeda Imran/The Vibes pic

It is through this that the goddess brings good fortune, enveloping the home in an auspicious sphere of protection.

Kolam artist Dewi Ramasamy. The Vibes wishes a very Happy Deepavali to everyone celebrating! May this year brings you continued love and light. – Syeda Imran/The Vibes pic

Considered to provide nourishment even to the smallest of insects throughout the day, devotees also see the art as an extension of their devotion. – The Vibes, November 4, 2021

More in the video interview below…