'Kolam' or 'Rangoli' is a decorative design that is put in all Indian houses. You will usually see them before entering any Indian home. Tradiationally the kolams are put not only at the entrances to houses but also on the table underneath your plate while eating, near the idols and on kitchen counters. Kolams are made from rice powder, thus it was believed that ants will come and feed of the rice powder and thus will not eat your food or enter your house. This was the original reason for putting kolams. Over the years the practice has developed into an art form with people using it to exhibit their creative side. Rangoli competitions are a common sight in school exhibitions and it requires a lot of skill to make one.
This is the Daily Sheet Calendar. This is a very essential calendar for many Indians. On the left is the day, date and month according to the Julian Calendar. On the right is the day, month and year according to the Tamil (Southern Indian Language) custom. Jan 1st 2004 is equivalent to 17th of 'Margazhi' month of the year 'Tharana'. In the Tamil calendar the date, month and year differs from the Julian calendar. At the bottom is more important information about the day. I have expanded that part in the photo. On the first line in yellow is the Star that is ruling on that day. Each day there is a different star and this cycle repeats. In the Indian system, the star that is ruling on your birthday is very important and has a very strong influence on your life. On the third line it simply tells you any important occasion on that day. In this sheet it says it is a new year and that it is a government holiday. On the fourth line, in pink are the times of influence of the 'Ragu' star. It is customory not to hold any auspicious events duing this time. In the last line is the good or lucky timings for the day and the important events are held at those times. Thus each daily sheet gives very important information about the day and helps the Indian plan the day's activities. __________________________________________________________ The god in this picture is Lord Karthikeya.
A girl with flowers in her hair is common lyrics in many songs. However in india it is a tradition. Across India you will find women adorning themselves with flowers. Husbands usually buy flowers for their wives and they in turn wear them proudly. This is no longer practiced as India becomes westernized but still in all religious functions, women are expected to have flowers in their hair. The most common flower is Jasmine.
