Keeping the art of kolam alive, one grain at a time [WATCH]

In Kuala Lumpur, Sivabalan Arumugam, a 36-year-old art creator, passionately preserves the traditional kolam craft through intricate designs made from rice grains. Born into a family where his father, a mechanical engineer, was skilled at drawing, Sivabalan began creating kolam designs at the age of seven during festive occasions like Deepavali and Pongal. His fascination with colors has fueled his lifelong commitment to maintaining the art form while adapting it for modern spaces.

Over nearly two decades of professional work, Sivabalan has crafted kolam designs for shopping malls and office spaces, eventually earning a place in the Malaysia Book of Records for creating the most colors in a single rangoli kolam. The 20 x 25 feet installation featured 100 distinct shades and was entirely designed by Sivabalan himself.

Trained in graphic design, Sivabalan employs freehand techniques and draws inspiration from books, online videos, textiles, and his frequent trips to India, where he witnesses locals creating kolam outside their homes and in temples. His designs typically use only white kolam powder, which differs from the white kolam used in Malaysia. Sivabalan prepares his unique colored rice by mixing broken rice and food coloring, including jelly and cake coloring.

While the creation process can take months of meticulous preparation, a kolam's temporary nature means it must be cleared after the celebrations end. Despite the sadness of such a brief existence, Sivabalan embraces the challenge, emphasizing that the true value lies in the skill, patience, and preparation behind each design. He is dedicated to passing on this cultural heritage to younger generations, ensuring the art form endures.