Workshops? this is Kolu workshop

Workshops are a part and parcel of corporate life these days so one scans those titles in newspapers and learn to ignore them;they are so ubiquitous.But this one in adyar times caught my attention.A workshop on kolu.Yes, a workshop is organised in association with mylapore times a two hour session which will help you in planning for the kolu and execution; theme kolus; traditional decorations; drawing kolams and yes, tips on how to preserve these and the dolls till the next year kolu.
traditional wisdom is getting institutionalised.Yes, we have no time to listen or practice kolu from our elders in the family.we are separated in time and distance but then if this knowledge is available wherever we are , we could utilise it "just in time"
adyar times has been pioneering traditional values and belief systems in the city in association with mylapore times.they have been organising kolu competitions in these localities for many years now.It is an interesting feature of strengthening community activities.It is a well participated event in Adyar and there are many veterans who look forward to winning; and they are both young and old ladies in that.Yes some entries have given due credit to the man of the house for being a joint venture owner!
Keeping a simple 3 steps kolu is mindboggling for me.Every year i plan for a whole lot of decorations.extra fittiings and themes.Actually throughout the year i plan for the kolu.But then the passion for the festival which i have in abundance is not possible to translate into a tangible output as I want .But then i make up by fervour for classical music which kolu is supposed to spawn.I make it a point to sing atleast 4 songs everyday.I manage to do sundal(for my health and my family's health and happiness,too)on some days.Invite friends/family whom it was not possible to meet throughout the year;wear some fineries which one wanted to show off.And go to some kolus and pick up their best practices for possible adoption in your kolu, next year!See planning has started.
One of the festivals i love and look forward to every year.There is something for the staunch religious minded ladies.they do pooja since morning for goddess. There is something for the creative people.They can decorate as they wish.no dos and donts here.Hence children can run riot(only before and not after the kolus are set up)There is something for the musically inclined(me!)to show off talent.there is something for the gregarious.Can right royally enter and exit houses under the pretext of receiving invitation.Health freak would love this festival for its sundals.And me , for the myriad tastes that the mixture of sundals brought home by the children!thankfully this festival is in october and chennai is not its scorching worst!Usually some rains come on the day you are in your finery and plan to go visiitng.But it is okay, unlike diwali there are no crackers which will not work due to rain!
So kolu is arriving in a week's time and my mood is up!