Every morning, all across southern India, millions of women wake up at sunrise to draw what’s known as a “kolam” at the entrance to their home. Kolams are geometric designs hand “drawn” by sprinkling rice flour (or in some cases other substances) on a freshly-swept and watered piece of pavement. I see them on my early morning runs, along with any number of other things. Every day, something new!
To give you a sense, I took a walk down a random street in my neighborhood: all of the photos below are on a 200 meter stretch of road the view immediately below being from one end.
Just for interest, this is the street sign using the standard marking system:
And here are the kolams:
The kolam below is larger than normal, as it is drawn in preparation for a wedding to take place over the next few days.
And last but not least, cows wander through traffic with complete impunity. This one is taking a break at the end of the street.
4 Responses to Southern SuburbIndia: Kolams and Cows