Kolams are a symbol of auspiciousness. It is Hindu belief that that the geometrical patterns & designs applied with rice flour at the entrance to a home, invites Goodness into the household, and drives away the evil spirits. It is mostly a South Indian tradition, practised widely in Tamilnadu. Traditionally, the women wash the path in front of the house. (Cowdung is used to clean up the ground, though this practise is no longer in vogue in the cities, mainly because cowdung is not easily available & most entrance path are now laid in cement or tiles.) Finely ground rice powder is then used to apply kolams. This practice is followed in the evenings also. The reason for using rice flour is that we are providing food for the ants & other small insects. In these days finely ground white stone powder is used, for this is easier to apply & also the kolams are brighter & well finished. Even if ground stone powder is used, one could mix rice flour in it. . . #morning #morningwalk #morningglory #kollam #kollangal #tradition #southindiantradition #design #loveit #journeyofARK #jointheark #VoiceARK