Kolam by Sudha Balaji

For Margali 2017 a traditional double line kolam I drew on the first day.  Viewers asked me how I know when to stop a free hand design.  Frankly, I can go on and on. Time and space are constraints This is the second kolam for Margazhi or Dhanurmasam drawn at vaigarai pozhuthu.  It is Tamil for early in the morning or dawn. The rangoli for the next day - small and simple free hand rangoli (or Rangoli sans dots!).  Since the photos were taken at dawn, they may not be to one's expectation. I wanted them to be as naturalistic as possible.  This is a small free hand rangoli I drew for my YouTube video Double stroke rangoli with lamps for Karthigai Deepam decoration.  Karthigai is similar to Diwali festival in festivities.  Suddenly, I have jumped to a different month.  I discovered it in the same folder on my computer, so I thought why not share it here.  This is a traditional and small padi kolam (rangoli with lin...

The first design above is a traditional muggu for the Dhanurmasa decoration.   During the time between December 15 and January 15 it is a season for muggu with beautiful and colourful muggu adorning the entrances of many homes.  Since my mother lived in Vizianagaram ,  I am aware of it and fortunately learnt a lot from her just by watching her.   Coming to the muggu I call it traditional because of the classical step like formation on all four sides.  After drawing the steps on four sides I have connected the inclined lines in a single stroke , we need steady hands that come with practice to do that.   After all the more we practice the closer we get to perfection.  The rest of the muggu is all about free hand decorations like spirals and more lines and these are according to our imagination.  We should choose patterns that may blend well with the main design. Dhanurmasam rangoli designs Traditional rangoli without chuk...

Chukki rangoli are very popular for Bhogi , Sankranti festivals.  This beautiful 13 by 7 dots kolam for the festival. Tip:  Connect the dots for the curved lines in a single stretch.  Then the kolam looks more beautiful.      It is all in the mind when we do it confidently the result is awesome!! This post includes designs drawn for social media accounts as also a few free hand designs drawn by me at dawn.  I draw every day during Dhanrumasam at the break of dawn like many others (this is the tradition followed by many ladies in southern part of India).  Invariably it is a rangoli sans dots with colours.   I have added an image for those drawn outside in the courtyard and the light is dull, it proves that it was drawn at dawn:) For New Year and Sankranthi I prefer a pulli kolam.  Pongal is a time for celebration, joy.  Whenever we have festivals and festivities, we bring out our joy and happiness through various ...