A COLOURFUL ancient art form will be showcased in Rugby this weekend.
A Kolam competition will take place at the Benn Hall on Sunday (January 29), contested by over 90 competitors from diverse backgrounds.
Kolam is a form of art which originated in south India to celebrate the harvest festival, in which coloured rice flour is used to create freehand symmetrical patterns.
Gita Natarajan, who is organising the event with Thaai Tamil Sangam – a group which represents Indian Tamils across Warwickshire – said: “Kolam requires imagination, precision and creativity – endorsed by the belief that those who practice the art are blessed by divine inspiration.
“It promises to be a riot of colours and cheer to lift spirits on a cold wintry day, and a massage to one’s mental health. When life can be grave with a myriad of challenges strewn along the way, these little distractions blot out life’s shortcomings with colour, texture and memories.”
The competition will be judged by Rugby MP Mark Pawsey, prominent artists, and volunteers from Locke House who were instrumental to Rugby’s Covid vaccination programme.
All are welcome to attend the event, which takes place at the Benn Hall on Sunday (January 29) from 11:30am to 3:30pm. Entry to the exhibition is free, with free on-site parking. Hot beverages, tiffin and snacks will be on sale.
