Kolam is a drawing form which is drawn using rice flour, chalk, chalk powder or rock powder. This is considered to be auspicious as it means showering good luck and wealth on home and in the family.In general , women get up early in the morning and clean the area with cow dung just outside the door of their homes, sprinkle the area with water and draw the Kolams.
kolams are known by various names in India, Raangolee in Maharashtra, Aripan in Mithila, Hase and Raongoli in Kannada in Karnataka, Muggulu in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana regionally.During the Onam festival in Kerala, flowers are laid out for each of the celebration's ten days, the concept becoming bigger and more complex every day.
The house floor, or wherever the Kolam may be drawn, is washed with water each morning before sunrise and the muddy floor swept well to establish an even surface. Generally, the kolams are drawn while the surface is still wet, so that the pattern holds better.
The rice powder often invites birds and other small creatures to eat it, thereby inviting other beings into one's home and daily life. It's a sign of invitation to accept everyone into the house, not least of which is Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and riches.
Young women were eagerly awaiting the month of Margazhi, who would then demonstrate their skills by covering the entire width of the road with one big kolam. Many of these produced patterns were passed on from generation to generation, from mothers to daughters.
Myth that Andaal worshiped and was married to Lord Thirumaal in the month of Margazhi. Unmarried girls get up ahead of dawn during this month and draw a Kolam to welcome the Lord Thirumal. There are also references of Kolam in legends such as Ramayana-in the wedding pavilion of Sita, where Kolam is discussed. Kolam 's cultural growth in the South had its roots in the Chola Rulers period. Typically the designs are influenced by nature, but may also be in the form of abstract art.