All over India, at least in rural areas, first thing in the morning, women sprinkle water on the front yard, just outside the front door, clean it and decorate it with a design traced with some flour. In Tamil, this is called a Kolam, and in Hindi as a Rangoli. So, a woman’s day begins with art, evoking the blessing of Goddess Saraswathi, the Goddess of wisdom, and all performing arts.
To celebrate Tamil New Year, falling on April 14th, 2023, Friend In Need India Trust organized a Kolam competition at the Mariyamman Kovil, or the temple of Goddess of Rain Mariamman, worshipped in South India. On 11 April 2023, the event started at 10.00 am and concluded at 12.30 pm. Around 13 women from various wards of Kameswaram village participated in the competition. The competition was graced by special guests like P.Kamaraj, the temple administrator, and 9 ward members, A.P.Arokiyadass, the headmaster of St Sebastian Higher Secondary School, and G.Jayasudha, the Panchayath president of Kameswaram and S. Ganesan, her husband.
The Kolam competition was organized by FIN staff, Meena Madam, Nagalaxmi Madam, Ranjita Madam, and Paranjothi Sir. The materials required for the Kolam competition were all kept ready before the start of the competition. Everyone was welcomed with a warm smile and the women were presented with kolapodi or rice flour, also in different colors. Each woman was allotted a square on the temple grounds.
The judge was Mr. A.P.Arokiyadass. He came near the end, having designed a set of indicators with which to judge the kolams. He did not talk to the contestants so as to be not partial to anyone. The first prize went to Ms.Vikneswari, the second prize to Ms.Jayachithra, and the third prize to Ms.Anbeeshwari. Consolation prizes were also awarded to all the other women who participated in the competition. The event concluded with a congratulatory speech by Mr. Arokiyadass, a vote of thanks by Mr.Kamaraj, and a group photo.
The Kolam competition was an inspiring event, showcasing the talent and creativity of the women of the Kameswaram region. It was a great success and will be remembered for a long time to come. It also signaled another important lesson for the whole of India. Mr. Arokiyadass is a Christian and so respected in the village, that he was called to judge a competition in a temple. Mr. Arokiyadass not only accepted but also did a most sincere and excellent job of judging, to the satisfaction of all – reminding all in the village – that they were first all Indians and then Tamils coming together to celebrate the Tamil New Year – rather than separating themselves into Hindus, Muslims or Christians. Long live Secularism in India – the home of spirituality. And happy Tamil New Year to all!
NTN Nagai News – https://youtu.be/4jvgG0F4Qm4
Thank you
FIN India Trust