Community Outreach:
Hands-On Kolam Workshop

In conjunction with performances of Sacred Earth and Nocturne

Each day before sunrise, in southeastern India, millions of women create Kolams—intricate designs made of rice flour on the ground in front of the main entrances to their homes. This daily ritual creates a sacred space and becomes a link between the intimate home and the vastness of the outside world. The ephemeral art form of Kolam is one of the central inspirations for Sacred Earth, and is featured in the performance of the work.

Ragamala artists introduce participants to the history and background of Kolam and its philosophy of interconnectedness between humanity and nature. Participants learn to draw several Kolam designs on paper, and then create them with rice flour on the floor to experience the traditional method.