Painted Prayers

You know what PAINTED PRAYERS are? They are traditional Kolams or Rangolis.

According to wikipedia,"Kolam  is a form of drawing that is drawn by using rice flour/chalk/chalk powder/white rock powder often using naturally/synthetically colored powders in various parts of India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and a few other Asian countries. A Kolam is a geometrical line drawing composed of curved loops, drawn around a grid pattern of dots. In South India, it is widely practised by female Hindu family members in front of their houses. Kolams are regionally known by different names in India, Raangolee in Maharashtra, Aripan in Mithila , Hase and Raongoli in Kannada in Karnataka, Muggulu in Andhra Pradhesh,Golam in Kerala etc., More complex Kolams are drawn and colors are often added during holiday occasions and special events.

Kolams are thought to bring prosperity to homes." In earlier days,these rangolis were made of coarse rice powder not with the only intention of decorating but also to invite ants, small birds and other creatures to feed on them.It signifies a world of harmonious co-living.

A little variation from the traditional South Indian style are these rangolis but nevertheless amazing.

This festive season get inspired by these designs and try some in your own home.

Sharing some designs I found on Pinterest. Kudos to the artist. 

Simply superb isn't it? Floored by the floral motifs... The name' painted prayers' is apt. You are sure to invoke God's blessings too, thru these hand paintings.

Enjoy the festivals all of you and try implementing some of these beauties in your own home.

Karthikai Deepam

Last week  we celebrated a festival of lights at home.No not Deepavali..

It was Karthikai...

Rows of Agal vilakkus (oil lit lamps) are lit in every house. Karthigai is essentially a festival of lamps. The lighted lamp is considered an auspicious symbol. It is believed to ward off evil forces and usher in prosperity and joy. While the lighted lamp is important for all Hindu rituals and festivals, it is indispensable for Karthigai. This festival is also celebrated to commemorate the bonding between brothers and sisters in south India(similar to Bhaiya-Dhuj and Raakhi). Sisters pray for the prosperity and success of their brothers and light lamps to mark the occasion.

All this while since we are just the two of us,  myself and my younger sis,this festival did not mean much to me but now that I have a son and a daughter,it took on a whole new meaning.
I celebrated it for them!!!


sending across some pics of the same....Also  pics  from here& there accompanies this post.

(Brilliantly done by members of my society!!)


On a lighter note,while I was busy doing the rangoli and my 7 yr old daughter helping me in lighting the lamps and so on,my son just kept looking at us( sucking his thumb!!) and suddenly he was stuck with an idea.. He bought his blocks ,arranged them as best as he could and he says..mamma my rangoli....