Kolam by Sudha Balaji

Rangoli for Varamahalakshmi kalasha decoration  Lakshmi Devi in the form of kalasha is welcomed inside the house.  She is placed on a manai on plank.  We draw a rangoli on the plank , a traditional design with lines.  This type of kolam is also drawn for weddings and other auspicious functions Draw straight lines at four corners neli or wriggling lines is an important part of this type of kolam and is drawn on both sides where possible Draw a simple free hand design at the centre after drawing the line patterns on both sides of the plank.  The words "Om Sri" are written at the top of the plank It is a tradition to decorate with kaavi.  We get kaavi or ochre powder.  It is mixed in water to get a thin paste that can be applied as a border for the kolam.  When such kolam are drawn at the entrance of a house it indicates that there is an auspicious function inside the house. The small and easy manai kolam after completion. ...

Varamahalakshmi festival  2018 will be celebrated on 24th of August Gejje vastra significance    It is a symbolic representation of new vastra or dress for God or Goddess The image shows the Yamuna kalasam for Varamahalakshmi Pooja decorated with gejje vastra The completed gejje vastra .  Two cotton spheres are made ,dipped in kumkum mixed in water.  They are stuck to the vastra, then used to stick the vastra to the Varalaxmi idol or kalash Purchase cotton from Puja shops this is workable and easy for us to stretch.  Cotton from pharmacies i.e surgical cotton is not workable as it is packed in layers  You may also want to know How to draw various designs of  Goddess Feet in rangoli    This cotton splits easily into two quite easily. Again split it to get  thin long cotton suitable for making the vastra.  The idea of offering this cotton garland decoration is that we imagine that we are offering a new dress to G...

An update for Varalakshmi Pooja 2023,  a simple geethala muggu I created has been added We celebrate Navratri for nine days or rather nine nights, hence the name Navratri.   Starting with the first day apart from various decorations we do for the kolu with craft and art,   tradition has it that we draw a new kolam for the kolu every day. Till Dasara or Dusshera or Vijayadasami the celebrations are on. My mother taught us that Navratri golu (or kolu ) is to be given the importance we give for Pooja room.  So, the place before the golu is cleaned every day and new kolam is drawn for decoration every day.  Invariably a small padi kolam is drawn because the kolu itself occupies lot of space.  Navarathri golu kolam | Special padi kolam Varalakshmi Vratham 2018 | special kolam | 4 line rangoli  S pecial functions and festivals demand special kolam.   This traditional rangoli with line of symmetry demand some skill in drawing the series of c...

Varamahalakshmi festival / vratha / decoration of idol  There are usually two methods of preparation of the idol for Puja  a) One using a kalash and decorating it with mango leaves, garlands etc. b) Etching the face of the Goddess on a kalash and decorating  c) Making the idol at home using some ingenious methods and decorating the idol The picture below shows how beautiful the idol looks after decoration Take a tall plastic container and fill it with rice this will ensure stability due to the weight of the rice.   On the top place a silver or brass kalash we use in our homes.  I have used the Ashtalakshmi kalasah. After all it is believed that Varalakshmi is Ashtalakshmi personified.   Bind them both with a binding tape.  Let the tape do a few rounds so that they hold tight. We can use a craft stick  or pencil for the support for the sareee and garlands.  I have used a pencil because it readily available in our homes...