GEORGE TOWN: Ready-made kolam designs are becoming a popular choice for those seeking a simpler alternative to traditional hand-drawn patterns.
For beautician Sindhuja Appikonda, 27, the designs are an attractive option as they are easy to use and can be displayed at the entrance of her house in Bukit Jambul.
Living with her parents, Sindhuja said she preferred ready-made kolam.
“The designs are simple and easy to use. I can just place one in front of my house to decorate it for Deepavali.
“It saves time and is tidy while still giving the house a festive look.”
She added that having a kolam at the entrance was a meaningful way to welcome the festival and create a cheerful atmosphere.
Technician K. Harimuthu, 21, said decorating the house with kolam had long been a family tradition that his family observed every Deepavali.
“Putting up a kolam is part of our Deepavali preparations. My mother and sisters will make sure to have one at the entrance of our house every year as it is a tradition in our family.”
He said the ready-made kolam makes it easier especially for those who are busy with work.
He said although it is not the same as a traditional kolam, the ready-made ones add to the festive atmosphere and make the occasion feel more special.
Kolam decorations remain a popular feature of Deepavali celebrations, with various designs and sizes available at shops in Penang’s Little India.
One shop offers a wide range of ready-made kolam designs, with different shapes and sizes to suit customers’ preferences and creativity.
Shop owner L. Patmanathen said ready-made kolam designs have become increasingly popular as many people were now busy with work and had less time to create the traditional floor decorations themselves.
He said the ready-made ones were convenient and affordable, allowing customers to simply place them on the floor and decorate them with coloured rice, or just to stick them on the floor.
“The coloured rice is priced between RM4.90 and RM9.50 per packet, while the ready-made kolam designs cost between RM35 and RM40, depending on their size,” he said.
A kolam is a traditional decorative floor artform drawn at the entrances of homes, businesses and temples, especially during Hindu festivals like Deepavali and weddings, signifying the community’s rich culture, hospitality and hope for good fortune and prosperity.
Made up of intricate lines, delicate curves, dots and geometric patterns, the traditional floor art is more than a decorative feature. It is usually drawn using rice flour or coloured rice and requires a steady hand, patience and an eye for detail.
