Another day another Kolam

On my last trip home my sister's help used to come early in the morning, wash the entrance of the home and make a beautiful 'Kolam'; a geometrical drawing composed of loops drawn around a grid on the floor. I would wake up early to watch her work and one day asked her in my broken Tamil/ sign language if I could take photos of her working.

She would come, clean the previous day's kolam, put dots to make a grid with chalk powder and make a stunning design all in a span of five to ten minutes. While drawing she wouldn't stand up or take her hand off the task of creating the intricate design.

Everyday millions of Hindu women in the South of India make Kolams in front of their homes to bestow prosperity and ward off evil.

I just love the various designs these ladies came up with, its not like they've been to art school or anything. Its amazing when for festivals they make designs on the floor with flower petals and light candles around it.

I also love this lady's bright saree and the bright plastic bucket is so cheerful. Everyday she would come bright and early smelling of the fresh flowers in her hair, these pictures don't do justice to the women you see on the streets in India.

I hope you enjoy these photos and have had a wonderful week.