Friday, January 2, 2015

Kolam

As I mentioned in the previous post, I caught sight of a woman decorating the doorstep in front of her house with white chalk. She was drawing a Kolam, a common sight here; when we arrived on New Year's, many doorsteps had been decorated with bright colors and well-wishes. As I watched this woman create a new Kolam, a few doors down, another woman swept away the one that had been on her doorstep the day before. I loved how this beautiful artistic expression was so temporary; it allows for a continual renewal, and doesn't let you get too attached to just one expression.

Kolam

(Video in YouTube link)

The Kolam on the doorstep of our apartment on New Year's Day

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1 comment:

  1. Grace MJanuary 3, 2015 at 1:20 PM

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand_mandala
    Different culture, but similar concept!
    "A sand mandala is ritualistically destroyed once it has been completed and its accompanying ceremonies and viewing are finished to symbolize the Buddhist doctrinal belief in the transitory nature of material life."

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