KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 12 — In Malaysia, Kolam are a standard sight in public locations, akin to shopping center atriums, financial institution foyers, and the concourses of public transportation hubs, through the Deepavali festive interval.
And whereas we’d cease to admire the intricate geometric designs drawn with vibrant rice flour, how many people actually perceive this art form and its symbolism and that means?
To discover out extra, eNews Malaysia sought out a couple of Kolam artists who spoke about their craft and its significance.
Mood lifter and image of heartfelt hospitality
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Mehnaga Mathivanan, or fondly often known as Anjali, 42, stated the Kolam has taken on a cultural connotation in Malaysia regardless of, traditionally, having non secular roots.
In India, Anjali stated locals create Kolam every day on the entrance of their residence to ask Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth, into the family, and drive away evil spirits.
She added that rice flour is used in order that ants can eat it, which is believed to dispel dangerous karma and produce extra blessings.
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“It may carry an individual’s temper if they’re upset or offended. Kolam is a good looking factor to see and even stare upon. The vibrant design can truly brighten individuals up. There is a psychological side to it,” she stated when met by eNews Malaysia at Sunway Pyramid shopping center just lately.
Mehnaga Mathivanan, or fondly often known as Anjali, 42, repairing her Kolam at Sunway Pyramid shopping center. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
Another native artist, who wished to be often known as Siran, 46, stated Kolam is seen as an exquisite strategy to welcome the competition of lights.
He additionally stated that renditions of peacocks and lamps normally take pleasure of place alongside a Kolam design.
“I are inclined to create my very own designs that incorporate prospects’ necessities, akin to their firm brand or title.
“Peacocks and lamps additionally characteristic prominently in Kolam for Deepavali, as they’re notably important,” he informed eNews Malaysia when contacted.
Peacocks are related to Hindu gods who are sometimes depicted with the birds, or as carrying their feathers that are an emblem of prosperity.
Lamps, on the opposite hand, symbolise the triumph of light over darkish, and good over evil.
For Sivabalan Arumugam, 36, he stated Kolam embody spirituality, magnificence, hospitality, and memorable dedication.
“The meticulous effort invested in crafting a kolam must be appreciated, because it displays the artist’s dedication to providing heartfelt hospitality.
The enchanting fantastic thing about a kolam has the facility to brighten one’s day, imparting a serene sense of interior peace,” he stated.
He added that he drew inspiration from conventional Indian art and design, akin to lotus flowers, peacocks and Rangoli patterns.
“Themes are normally primarily based on the consumer’s request, however personally, I want one thing that appears grand, but is humble in its personal method,” stated Sivabalan.
Kolam artist, Sivabalan Arumugam, 36, at work. — Picture by Miera Zulyana
The making of Kolam
Sivabalan defined that Kolam in Malaysia and South Asia have a standard origin however differ in some methods.
“While each share related ornamental patterns, Malaysian kolam are influenced by native tradition, so that they characteristic numerous patterns, colors, and supplies.
“South Asian kolams normally stick with conventional designs utilizing rice flour, whereas Malaysian ones usually incorporate totally different supplies to suit native customs and preferences,” he stated.
Anjali stated the drafting of a Kolam takes hours from the second of drafting to its completion.
She added {that a} Kolam measuring 4 toes in diameter takes her two hours.
“It actually relies upon on the design and the dimensions. The smaller ones are tougher and longer to complete for me, since you don’t need the colors to combine.
“For instance, brilliant and darkish pink can’t be combined collectively; if not, it’s not pleasing to the attention,” she stated.
Anjali stated the price of making a Kolam is about RM300 per sq. toes.
For Siran, he stated small Kolam take about half-hour to an hour and a much bigger one, 4 to 5 hours.
He partnered with 1 Utama Shopping Centre for a show of two Kolam and two peacock sculptures on the centre courtroom of the mall.
The Kolam ornament at 1 Utama Shopping Centre. — Picture by Ahmad Zamzahuri
According to Ai Ping, supervisor of the 1 Utama Advertising and Promotion Department, the 2 Kolam took six hours to finish.
“The planning was about 4 weeks as we designed it ourselves. The inspiration behind the show design is the peacock, which symbolises good luck and prosperity for Hindus, with two peacock sculptures that means double luck and double prosperity,” she stated.
Ai Ping revealed that your entire fee value about RM30,000.
This 12 months, the Kolam displayed at Subang Jaya Medical Centre, The Gardens Mall Kuala Lumpur, and Maybank’s SS15 department have been all by Anjali.
Outside of Deepavali festive season, Anjali and Siran stated they get bookings to create Kolam for weddings and engagements.
But Siran stated demand has slowed after Covid-19, and he labelled this 12 months as “common”.
For Sivabalan, his work could be seen at Klang Valley procuring centres and places of work, akin to Paradigm Mall, EQ Hotel, Quill City Mall, Subang Parade and the Volvo showroom.
Look, no contact
Knowing the painstaking work that goes into the creation of a Kolam makes many people really feel terrible once we see one broken.
Suffice to say, this impacts the artists vastly.
The Gardens Mall attracts inspiration from horses for its vibrant Kolam, that are meticulously made utilizing colored rice, rice flour, lentils and white rock powder. — Picture by Raymond Manuel
Anjali expressed to eNews Malaysia the frustration that she felt each time her art is destroyed because it made her really feel prefer it was not appreciated.
“The art won’t ever be the identical as soon as it’s destroyed,” she stated when tending to her broken work on the Sunway Pyramid shopping center.
“The color needed to be combined. I can’t simply sweep away every part and begin from scratch,” she stated.
Anjali stated sadly, it’s principally adults who’ve the itchy fingers.
“Babies, you possibly can’t actually blame them. They don’t know higher. Kindergarten children are okay. Usually, they’re inquisitive about it and ask questions as an alternative.
“But the adults, they take pictures, and so they need to go as close to as they’ll to the Kolam, and ultimately, mess it up. Every 12 months, it’s the identical,” she stated.
Siran stated the onus is on dad and mom to clarify the Kolam to their kids.
“We have children enjoying with the Kolam. But we will’t blame them additionally as a result of they’re drawn to the colors.
“I’ve been doing this job for greater than 30 years. I face the identical scenario after my job is finished and the youngsters play and injury it. I can’t blame them. The dad and mom ought to train them and information their children. Explain to them, then solely they are going to perceive,” he stated.
Hindus have fun Deepavali through the Hindu calendar month of Kartika (between mid-October and mid-November), which marks the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon king Narakasura.
Deepavali is being celebrated nationwide as we speak.
