Hi Peter,

I suggest you take a walk...I mean literally :D

What I mean to say is ... try to get up early in the morning (between 5:00am -6:00am) when you're in Chennai and go for a long walk. You'll get free "demonstrations" on kolam when the ladies/girls draw them in front of their homes/shops and in temples. Just stop by and enjoy :D

It would be interesting to find out if you really were able to learn it yourself...I'm sure you'd share your experience with all us :wink:

hi sarah, i am coming to chennai for a few days in the beginning of july, and would like to spend some time learning about kolam. If you know anyone who could spare some time to show me some of the technique I would be very grateful. I am wanting to use kolam design in my teaching.

Thanks

Peter

Thanks for telling me this - it's something I've really wondered about, since the big, colorful geometric ones definitely look more modern than the dotted ones. I'll be making the video starting this fall and once it's done I'll will post on here so anyone who's interested can see it.

Your's is a very interesting approach! I'll like to share my family experience from that perspective. My grandma prefers making only the traditional patterns with dots whereas I give equal importance to making both big colorful, symmetrical rangolis (without dots) as well as the traditional ones. My grandma is not a big fan of color...whereas my younger relatives and me spend time deciding on our choice of colors for the rangoli.

I would like you to share your views on this with all of us once you get some time after you're done with your video project :idea:

Thanks.

Good Idea. Actually I'd like to find older and younger women in the same family and compare their relationship to kolam-making.

I think you should try approaching some seniors who have more experience in drawing some old elaborate pattens for you. I know my grandma would be happy to show you the process but too bad she does'nt live in Chennai. :)
Good luck!