Kolam is more than an art form—it is an ancient mnemonic system that encodes the wisdom of a community, predating both language and written expression. Around the world, indigenous communities have used similar pictorial traditions to pass down knowledge, wisdom and cultural heritage across generations. While some cultures have documented specific symbols and meanings, in Tamil Nadu and other parts of India, kolam and its equivalents continue to thrive as oral traditions, cherished primarily as intricate forms of floor art.
Our Focus
Currently, Kolam Podu is spotlighting Sikku kolam, a modular form of kolam with remarkable benefits. This particular style not only nurtures mindfulness and fine motor skills but also serves as a powerful tool for enhancing creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving—especially for children. In today’s AI-driven world, where pattern recognition plays a crucial role, the practice of kolam can sharpen the mind, train focus, and inspire innovative thinking.
Our Vision
Our vision is to reintroduce kolam to the modern world as a field of learning and specialization. We aim to make kolam accessible to everyone, taking it into schools, retirement communities, corporate spaces, and homes. We believe that kolam has the unique ability to bring people together, fostering a sense of community while promoting well-being and creativity.
Our Mission
- Preserve Tradition: Keep the oral and artistic heritage of kolam alive, while exploring its untapped potential as a structured and documented discipline.
- Inspire Learning: Encourage people of all ages to engage with kolam as a tool for mindfulness, education, and self-expression. Sikku kolam, with its structured rules, offers a creative problem-solving experience, similar to puzzles like crossword or Sudoku, which enhances brain development and fosters innovative thinking.
- Build Community: Use kolam to connect individuals, families, and groups, not just through art, but by embracing values like mindfulness and sustainable living. By integrating these philosophies, we aim to foster collaboration, creativity, and harmony, helping communities grow stronger and thrive together.
Our Journey
At Kolam Podu, we strive to bridge the gap between this rich heritage and the modern world, showcasing kolam as a timeless practice with practical benefits. Our current initiatives include tutorials, books, workshops, and resources to make learning kolam accessible and enjoyable for all.
Join us in rediscovering kolam—an art form that transcends boundaries, inspires creativity, and connects communities. Together, let’s celebrate its past, present, and future.