Adorning the entrances and courtyards of homes, businesses, and temples in Southern India is the kolam. It is also known as the rangoli in some parts of India. This decorative art is drawn mainly by women and girls. Years ago, before they could attend school, it was a way for mothers to teach their daughters arithmetic. Some women draw with rice flour, which is the traditional medium, and others use sandstone or limestone powder. The women expertly recall the intricate designs passed down through generations. Besides being a beautiful piece of art, the rice flour feeds ants, insects, and birds. Kolams, which originated about 3,000 years ago, are believed to invite prosperity and wealth to the home or business on which they appear.

1. Make a grid of dots on the square piece of paper, leaving about a 1” space around the edge. Evenly space the dots, about 1” apart from one another on the top and bottom.

2. Find the center point of the grid and start making a design connecting the dots, using straight or curved lines. (artwork)

Kolam Design

3. The design should be either a mirror image of itself on the left and right side or top to bottom of the paper. Or it should repeat itself in all 4 quadrants of the design. A piece of tracing paper can be used to copy one quarter page section of the design, flip if over and transfer to adjoining quarter page section. Repeat for third and fourth sections of the design.

4. After pencil drawing is complete, redraw over lines with a black marker.

5. Color inside shapes with oil pastels.