Kolam in VSM for the upcoming Deepavali celebration

A "Kolam" is a form of "Indian floor art" that is usually drawn out and left for days, synonymous with the Deepavali celebrations here in Malaysia. A testament to our multi-racial culture, you don't find these only at homes or temples but also at public places. In our factory, the staff took the opportunity to set up a Kolam in an alcove between the canteen and Room 3.

Looks very nice, don't you think? These colorful patters are made with nothing more than flour, limestone and other powder, and of course a healthy dose of artistic creativity!

Kolams are believed to bestow prosperity. They are not only for decoration. In the days of old, kolams were drawn using rice flour, which ultimately attracted birds, ants and other small creatures, which symbolizes welcoming others to one's home and living together in harmony.

May look simple and easy, but is really takes a lot of patience and artistic talent to draw these kolams - especially so if you have kids and others with "itchy hands" nearby! Though patterns are usually geometric, occasionally one can find depictions of animals and other symbols.

Not only for the auspicious Deepavali celebrations, but also drawn out during other happy occasions such as weddings and other religious festivities.