The kalam is a unique drawing also called “dhulee chithram” or powder drawing. In this ritual art form, the deity’s form is drawn on the floor using five types of coloured powders. This is practised by many communities in Kerala. Kalamezhuthu and Pattu are conducted to calm the deities and to avoid untoward happenings. It is practised during festivals in Bhadrakali (Mother Goddess) temples, and on special occasions in SarppaKavu (groves sacred to snakes) and AyyappanKavu (temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappa). Various deities are picturised using coloured powders. Kalamezhuthu is done by various communities such as Kaniyan, Vannan, Puluvar, Malayan, Pulayar, Maavilar, Munnoottan, Parayan, Paniyan, Aaviyar, Velan, Mannan, Koppaalan, Kuravar, Theeyaattunni, Theeyadi Nambiar, Theyyampadi Nambiar, Varanattu Kuruppanmar, Kallatta Kuruppanmar, Puthusseri Kuruppanmar and Marar.
The Circle Community brings together Kalamezhuthu Workshop with Deepti Porwal.
About The Artist
Deepti Porwal is from Dehradun and is passionate about Indian Art Forms and is passionate about Indian Artforms. She believes that teaching and learning are never-ending processes.
The Workshop Began
Deepti greeted all the participants and thanked the host for the lovely introduction. She drew the sketch of the mythological sketch and started colouring it with lemon green and yellow to the hands and face of the goddesses. She applied red colour to the headgear and yellow to the jewellery. She continued to apply red and orange colours to the top of the sketch and the headgear. She concluded the Kalamezhuthu by drawing a black outliner and white borders to the sleeves and headgear.
Towards The End Of The Workshop
Deepti painted a beautiful and gave an artistic touch to her Kalamezhuthu with light green, red, white, yellow and orange. All the participants appreciated her Kalam art and showed her co-created Kalam art to Deepti. The host thanked Deepti for teaching this traditional and cultural art form of God’s own country.
The attendees were from different parts of the country. They also belonged to different age groups but their love for art brought them together on a single platform. The Circle Community, as always, was successful in connecting artists and curating a magical and positive vibe together.
On this note, here’s us signing off until next time!
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