Friday, February 20, 2009

So, where was I ?

If you have read my previous post, you would know how much i like Kochi. I had just come from a week long visit to my grandma's house in Kochi. After that a whole semester of mine has passed by and i don't think i have done anything worthwhile during the period. The only part i liked of the previous semester was the frequent visits to the Arabian Sea's beaches like Arambol, Palolim and Bogmalo. I somehow really like the ocean. I guess everyone does...


I'd like to share with you people about something called kolam (in Tamil). It is a form of sand-painting drawn traditionally with rice powder in front of houses. The whole drawing starts with a grid of dots and curved lines and loops follow. During this winter break it was the Margazhi month according to the Tamil calender and people all across Tamil Nadu make colourful kolums. It is a matter of pride to be able to draw large complicated patterns without lifting the hand off the floor standing up in between. The month of Margazhi was eagerly awaited by young women, who would then showcase their skills by covering the entire width of the road with one big kolam.

My mom too makes kolams everyday during this month and during the last two Maragazhis, instead of just watching kolams and admiring them, me, my sister and my 10 year old cousin tried making kolams. I tried making the Ubuntu logo while my sister made this star and my cousin, she made the one with four flowers. And so, the whole neighborhood saw all the kolams we made and gave very good comments. Seeing my kolam, people asked what exactly is it!