More Than Just Pretty Patterns: 6 Things to Know About Kolam, the Colourful Art of Deepavali

Every year, as Deepavali draws closer, shopping malls, homes, and public spaces across Malaysia come alive with festive decorations, including colourful Kolam displays. While they have become a familiar sight, these intricate creations never fail to impress with their vibrant colours, unique designs, and the incredible amount of effort that goes into making them.

Rooted in centuries-old tradition, Kolam is more than just decorative floor art. Behind every pattern lies a rich cultural heritage and symbolism that many may not know about.

Here are a few interesting facts about Kolam:

1. Kolam has different names and designs depending on the region

Image Credit: Focus Malaysia

In southern India, these intricate patterns are known as Kolam, a traditional floor art form often associated with beauty and decoration. They are typically created using geometric arrangements of dots, lines, and curves that flow together into symmetrical patterns.

Meanwhile, in northern India, the art form is more commonly known as Rangoli. While similar in purpose, Rangoli designs often feature floral patterns, religious symbols, and auspicious animals such as elephants and peacocks. They are also commonly accompanied by decorative oil lamps during festive celebrations.

2. It's an invitation to prosperity

Image Credit: iStock

Ever noticed how Kolams are usually placed at the entrance of homes?

That's no coincidence. Traditionally, Kolams are created at doorways as a way of welcoming prosperity, good fortune, and positive energy into the household.

Many Hindus also believe that Kolams help welcome Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity, into the home during festive occasions such as Deepavali.

3. It's more than just a Deepavali tradition

Image Credit: Malay Mail

While Kolam is most commonly associated with Deepavali, the tradition extends far beyond the Festival of Lights.

These colourful designs also make an appearance during other Hindu celebrations, including Pongal, the harvest festival celebrated in January, as well as Onam, which is typically observed between August and September.

In many households, simpler Kolam designs are even created on a daily basis as part of long-standing cultural practices.

4. Several Kolams have earned a place in the Malaysia Book Of Records

Image Credit: MFT, FMT

You've probably seen how intricate and colourful Kolams can be, but did you know some have even earned a place in the Malaysia Book of Records?

Here are a few of the country's most notable record-holding Kolams:

Most colours used in a single Kolam

In October 2024, Sivabalan Arumugam, founder of Life Creation Event Planner and Life Creation Rangoli Kolam, made history by using 100 colours to create a 20-by-25-foot Kolam. The artwork required 150 kg of coloured rice and took two days to complete.

Largest floating Kolam

In 2017, Golden Sands Resort, Penang by Shangri-La secured a Malaysia Book of Records title by creating a massive floating Kolam measuring 638.02 square metres in its swimming pool. The project involved more than 100 volunteers, took 10 days to complete, and reportedly cost around RM25,000.

Largest portrait art made of multi-coloured grains

In 2018, Astro Seithigal earned a Malaysia Book of Records recognition for creating a giant portrait artwork made of multi-coloured grains. Measuring 487.7 square metres, the piece depicted a lady holding a lit oil lamp and was displayed at IOI City Mall. A team of 20 people completed the artwork in just 10 hours.

5. Kolam is traditionally made using rice flour & there's a meaning behind it

Image Credit: Zafigo

While modern Kolams are often known for their vibrant colours achieved through dyed rice grains and coloured sand, traditional Kolams were typically made using only rice flour.

There's a meaningful reason behind that practice.

In the past, rice flour and edible grains were used so that small creatures such as ants and birds could feed on them. Beyond being decorative, Kolam also reflected the values of generosity, kindness, and compassion towards all living things.

It's one of the reasons why Kolams were never intended to be permanent. As people walked over them or animals consumed the grains, the artwork would naturally disappear over time.

6. Creating Kolams has become a family bonding activity

Image Credit: The Star

Traditionally, Kolams were created by the women of the household and were often considered part of their daily responsibilities.

Today, however, the practice has evolved into a family activity, particularly during festive seasons such as Deepavali. It's common to see parents, children, siblings, and even extended family members coming together to complete a design.

And honestly, who can blame them?

Considering how detailed and time-consuming some Kolams can be, having a few extra helping hands certainly makes the process easier. More importantly, it turns the tradition into an opportunity for families to bond while preserving a meaningful cultural practice for future generations.

Featured Image Credit: S4SKY Rangoli Kolam Malaysia | Facebook, Malay Mail