Woman in Tamil Nadu draws the traditional form of Kolam or Rangoli during Pongal

From the archive record

South Indian woman makes kolam or Rangoli in on the occasion of Pongal Festival in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Kolam or Rangoli is drawn throughout the year in most homes in South India, it is especially significant during Pongal. The colorful Kolam tradition dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization (2500 B.C). In the Mahabharata, the gopis (milkmaids) drew kolams to forget the pain that they experienced when their beloved Krishna is away. At a much later date, Kolam-drawing is listed as one of the 64 forms of art in Vatsyayana's Kamasutra. The art of Kolam is known throughout India but by different names - Sanjhi in Uttar Pradesh, Alpana in Bengal, Mandana in Rajasthan, Chaukpurna in Madhya Pradesh, Rangoli in Maharashtra and Karnataka, Muggulu in Andhra Pradesh and Puvidal in Kerala. Althoug