Use 7 by 4 dots, draw the lines connecting the dots, draw lines between. Add patterns in and around the kolam. I have used lotuses. We can use lamp designs also for Karthigai Deepam festival
When I start - it appears very simple and the final image is totally different and is a pleasant surprise - this is the feedback from regular followers on Facebook, Instagram. If you notice I have used 6 lotus patterns for 6 Faces of Lord Muruga.
Use of small dots and shading will make beautiful even a very simple rangoli as is evident from the final step of this rangoli. Decorate with colour patterns outside. Also, the dots can be placed with rangoli colours. The quality of the colours and white kola podi should be that they obey our command.
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| 7 x 4 simple white kolam step by step |
The dot pattern is 7 by 4 - this variety of dot grid is called udu pulli or interlaced dots and is suitable for more intricate patterns in a dot type rangoli design since the dots are relatively closely packed compared to ner pulli varisai. The pic shows how to start the kolam step by step. After drawing the connecting lines as shown the remaining three dots are to be connected through lines. Since only two lines can be drawn for the remaining dot pattern, I have added additional lines to make it more attractive.
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| Karthigai Deepam kolam simple with dots |
After drawing 6 sets of five lines connect them all to enclose as shown. Place small dots in the gaps on all sides between the fourth and fifth line. This will simply enhance the beauty of the kolam.
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| Karthigai Deepam rangoli kolam |
Chukki rangoli 7 by 4 is ready. After drawing lotuses still some gaps can be seen among the flowers. Spirals with dots around them should be matching patterns. Since kolam itself means beauty with or due to symmetry, if you observe invariably, I use the terms "more" to emphasise that something that is already beautiful becomes more beauteous.
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| Beautiful kolam with 7 dots for Thiru Karthigai |
Karthigai Deepam rangoli designs have been shared in quite a few posts. If you observe the final two images, I started with vilakku patterns and then converted them into thamarai designs. Line kolam are one of the most sought-after varieties for festivals. Many people may want to try it.
Drawing parallel and thin lines may be a challenge. Some of the comments on my Facebook Page made me think of something to make this type easy to draw. The result is here, one of the many kolam muggulu I have done with dots.
Once we draw the top and bottom lines that enclose the lines on all six sides (using the dot grid provided) it may be easier to draw the inner lines, parallel to each other.
Kolam tip _ If we have a compact dot grid with lesser space among the dots it is easy to draw the lines, particularly parallel lines. Longer the lines the more difficult it is to maintain symmetry given the nature of drawing this art i.e. using the fingers and thumb.
As in any rangoli decorations form an important part of getting an excellent finish. Innovation in decorations are always welcome. I have used small dots only for the biggest lines. I did not use them for the gaps among other lines since I thought it may appear cramped.
Drawing spirals is also my strength (or weakness :)). I use them quite a lot. Lotus patterns can be created in many ways. Lack of space made me represent them through compact designs with few petals.
A beautiful rangoli Karthigai Deepam kolam with steps - add colours and/or change either the spirals or lotuses to vilakku patterns for this festival of lights of Tamil Nadu.
This step-by-step rangoli design with dots can be drawn for Kanda Sashti, Deepavali, Dhanteras and Bhaj Dooj also since the theme is similar for all festivals - lamp designs kolangal.
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