Welcome Diwali with understanding the story and engaging with the craft of Kolam.

Kolam is a form of art that is drawn by using rice flour, chalk, chalk powder or rock powder, often using naturally or synthetically colored powders, in Sri Lanka, the Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and some parts of Goa, Maharashtra as well as Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and a few other Asian countries. A Kolam is a geometrical line drawing composed of curved loops, drawn around a grid pattern of dots.

 Kolams are regionally known by different names in India, Raangolee in Maharashtra, Aripan in Mithila, Hase and Raongoli in Kannada in Karnataka, Muggulu in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. More complex Kolams are drawn and colors are often added during holiday occasions and special events.

Have you ever wondered how the Kolam evolved? Its origins and meanings? How it is practised in different cultures? What are the stories associated with it?

We bring to you Dr Gayathri Shankarnarayan, who is also known as "Kolam Gayathri", who has researched extensively on Kolam and music and is an expert on the form.

She will be sharing with us the story of Kolam, through an hour long lecture demonstration. This will be followed by a workshop on how to make the simple and complex designs of Kolam.

Please do join us , for the lecture and workshop or either. We would also like to add that men are also welcome, we would like the art for to be extended to them too!!

Fun for the whole family- there will be Diya painting organised for children who might be interested in that.

About Dr Gayathri Shankarnarayan

Dr Gayathri is a musician and a music teacher, who has completed her PhD in “Teaching methodology in music for foundation course.”

• She has learnt Kolam from Learnt kolam from two legends-
• Mr. Ramdev Chowdy (Guinness world record holder for covering Pune-Mumbai with the longest stretch of kolams.
• Mr. Hanumandha Rao- (Tamil Nadu’s ‘Kolam Nayakan’ awarded by TN Govt) from Udumalaipettah, Tamil Nadu.
• She is a has been a resource person to many eminent institutes and conducts workshops on Kolam.