Ko-lum, Tamil

An art form as old as time, Kolam comprises elaborate, symmetrical traditional designs made in the courtyard of the house, every morning, using rice flour. Every morning, before the dawn breaks, the ladies of the household (in most cases) would wash the courtyard, and then draw immaculate patterns on the wet vaasal as a way to start her day in a state devoid of any thoughts or worries from the day that has already gone by. It is an art form so closely woven into the South Indian households, that its significance sometimes goes unappreciated.