ENGLISH LANGUAGE YEAR 5-Chapter 9

CULTURAL AND TRADITIONS

           KOLAM  is a Hindus decorative artwork drawn on altars and in front of houses. It is also drawn in front of shops and offices. Altough kolam is drawn throughout the years.  The Tamil month of Markhazi and the month of Thai are important months for kolam as well as on the day of Ponggal. In Malaysia, kolam normally drawn during Deepavali. Young girls learn this artwork from their mothers, grandmothers and aunts. White and coloured rice flour is used to draw the kolam. kolam can be a plain one or can be artistically drawn with attractive symbols.

                       
 This colourful art of kolam is believed to be practised in South India since 2500 B.C. According to the Mahabratha, the milkmaids drew a kolam to forget the sadness when their beloved Krishna was away. Although kolam is a Hindu tradition, It was also known to be practised by the Buddhist and Parsis. It is said that Gautama Buddha was himself and expert in this art.


                     Kolam is much more than just an art. It symbolized happiness and Prosperity. It is also served to feed insects and birds to show man's concern for all living creatures. the kolam is also believed to prevent evil and other bad elements from entering the houses.