This post will have a collection of different types of kolam i.e some of the various categories of kolam that are possible. It will include links to videos for those who may need it and explanation and images with steps for others. Hope you enjoy creating these traditional designs using these resources.
Please note all videos are from my video Channel on YouTube - Rangolisansdots or Sudha Balaji
Traditional padi kolam
The images show a classical rangoli with lines being drawn. Rangoli with lines start with a square base in the case of traditional padi kolam , some draw the square base with curved lines also. This tradition varies from place to place etc. This rangoli starts with a pattern (which considered to be auspicious in India and hence widely used during Diwali rangoli decoration)
Draw the parallel lines inside on all four sides. Extending lines, two sets of four lines each on all four sides connecting them as shown in the thumbnail requires concentration. Please try and let me give your feedback. The detailed explanation including the steps through images for the video above.
Step 1 - draw the basic square with four lines
Next add the four triangles on all four sides to develop the kolam
Now the next step creates a pattern matching the inner design as shown in the image.
Draw two lines inside to make four lines the standard and traditional number used in padi kolam designs. (Of course, I use 2 and 5 also)
The two inner lines being drawn on all sides
The centre of the square is decorated as per our imagination. A simple rhombus connecting all four sides with dots inside should do. The standard and traditional practice is drawing two parallel lines connecting the diagonals so that we get an multiplication symbol like appearance. Then dots are placed on all four sides
The kolam should not be stopped at this step but should be decorated further as shown below with floral patterns adorning the gaps. I decided to stop it with this step. We can continue further also.
Why are padi kolam auspicious my opinion
In case some are not aware, padi kolam are auspicious, traditional rangoli designs. Somehow, I feel that they look like the layout of a temple when viewed from the top. Probably that is why they are considered to be auspicious and drawn for festivals and functions. Probably people wanted to get the blessings of God for the functions held in their house or choultry and wanted to invoke His blessings, so they started drawing something that represented a temple because a temple is considered to be the abode of God. We may observe that these kolam are drawn during weddings, housewarming functions and other festivals like baby showers, Aksharabhyasam etc. After all, everything is in the mind, positive thoughts are always necessary for positive outcomes according to psychologists. Probably this was practised by our ancestors as is evident from this discussion on padi kolam. Well begun is half done is the proverb. So to start the function they invoked the blessings of God through this kolam. It is another matter that kolam is drawn as a decoration to welcome guests.
If you look at the image, the square looks like the main temple and the centre looks like the sanctum sanctorum or Garbha Griha as we say in Sanskrit. The outer layer of lines represents the boundaries or walls. This is only my guess and imagination. These kolam are usually drawn with a kaavi border, we also have kaavi decoration on the walls of the temples. In fact, when we see walls with kaavi or red ochre border we can be sure that there is a temple there. The gap between the walls and the central square pattern may be thought of to represent the prakara or the space for circumambulation or pradakshina.
This is only my guess as I already said, if anyone has a different view or better knowledge kindly share through the comment section.
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