Kolam rice seller sees surge in demand ahead of Deepavali

IPOH - With the Deepavali celebration approaching this Thursday, traders supplying essentials for the festival of lights are busy meeting customer demands.

Among the most popular items for the celebration is 'kolam' or 'arisi' rice, a staple for creating decorative kolam patterns, typically placed at home entrances or front yards.

For kolam rice seller, M. Tharani, 28, her family’s shop, Mahaeswari Cash & Carry, located in Little India on Jalan Lahat, has become a focal point for the Indian community seeking festive necessities for Deepavali.

According to Tharani, sales of kolam rice usually spike up to tenfold in the days leading up to Deepavali, compared with regular days.

"Kolam is essential in every home during Deepavali. Devotees are also encouraged to feed animals, such as pigeons and ants for blessings,” she told Bernama at her shop.

She said that kolam decorations during Deepavali are often combined with oil lamps (agal vilakku) to symbolise the festival of lights.

"Besides rice, kolam is also made with rice flour or chalk powder. Typically, a kolam is maintained for at least 24 hours, until the second day of the festival, before it is cleared away,” she said.

Tharani said that kolam designs have evolved over the years. In the past, it was made using plain rice, but now, colourful rice has made it more vibrant on festival mornings.

The usual colours for kolam rice are yellow, orange, red, blue, and green, with other shades like pink also available.

"To my knowledge, making this rice isn’t difficult; broken rice is mixed with dye and then dried over a few days. Nowadays, more people are buying because it is more convenient, and many traders are selling it,” said the Bachelor of Business Administration graduate.

Making kolam patterns has also become easier with the availability of polystyrene moulds, so devotees no longer have to sketch or design before sprinkling the rice.

Tharani said that kolam designs typically feature floral and animal motifs, such as birds.

"In a family, there is usually someone skilled in making kolam designs, and they can create beautiful and intricate patterns without needing a mould,” added Tharani, who is the youngest of four siblings.

She shared that, aside from Deepavali, kolam is also made during Ponggal, weddings, and engagements.

At her shop, ‘kolam’ rice is sold at RM13 for 500 grammes, in five colours. - BERNAMA