Friday-Free Patterns

SWAN

This is a motif of Swan.  Though the tail part looks like that of a peacock. This is a stylised, traditional or classical motif.

Swan is known as "Hamsa" in Sanskrit and Telugu and "Hans" in Hindi. It is  a very graceful, beautiful and mostly silent bird. It is pristine white (most species) in colour. They are also mostly vegetarians. Its graceful long neck, the way it silently glides on the water, its posture while in water or on the shore all add to its beauty. 

In Hinduism a Swan symbolises highest form of wisdom, spiritual knowledge, ethereal beauty and purity. It is said that a swan can separate milk from water and drinks only milk. So also we humans living in this  world are blinded by materialism. We should separate materialism from spirituality (like a swan separating milk from water) and follow the spiritual path to attain the "Moksha" or liberation of soul.

In Hindu Mythology, Swan is the vehicle of Saraswathi-Goddess of Knowledge and Wisdom. Hence it is considered to be a very smart or wise bird.  It is also believed that "Golden Swans" considered to be Divine birds exist. They come from heaven and visit the famous "Manasa Sarovar in Hymalayas".  Folklore, and other classic literature associated with this bird have many stories to tell. One such story is that the famous Love story of Nala and Damainthi. The righteous, most handsome, most eligible Emperor Nala and the most beautiful, virtuous Princess Damayanthi were brought together by a pair of golden swans. How they love each other and marry and the story that follows is known as "Nala Charitham". It is a beautiful tale of two lovers.

Now the bird Swan inspired many painters, like Raja Ravi Varma. Here it is:

http://enchantingkerala.org/raja-ravi-varma/raja_ravivarma_painting_hamsa_damayanthi.php

These birds have fascinated weavers too. Different motifs of these birds are painted, block printed, woven or embroidered as motifs or on borders and pallus of Saris. One can find them on temple walls. They are more stylised and very classic in design. The design or patterns vary with the sculptor or the artist.


I have many such patterns of Swan. I will be posting some in near future.

Rangoli-79

KITES

Friends here is one more Rangoli . This time it is Kites. Kite flying is a sport- an ancient one. I will write in details about it some other time. But every child loves to fly Kite. Children collect Kites of different shapes, sizes and colours.  In Northern and Western India this time of the year say August to October and  January to March as the light breeze helps in flying Kites. Sankranthi or Makar Sankranthi or Pongal is celebrated through out India in different ways. Kite flying and competitions in kite flying are much popular during this festival.

So keeping this in view here is Kite Rangoli...

This is 21 to 1 dot. Just see how the dots are placed and joined. 

This is what Rangoli is about-reflecting every day life, celebrating festivals and other events. Women create different Rangolis drawing inspiration from every day life.

Relaxing....

I feel free today. After completing my project which involved lots of tension, hard work and what not. I had to struggle for the past six months or so. But boy I am free now. I feel tired, worn out and very lazy. I need to catch up with my sleep. I have this long week end to relax and catch up with all I have missed. I am looking forward to it.

Its cold here. Days are bright and sunny. Night temperatures are not as low as that of the Northern India. We Southerners enjoy the sunny days even in winter. That is one blessing. I am a Sun lover too. :) :) :)...

But still it is colder than the usual. Any ways, I love to relax, snuggling in a warm blanket with a good book, a cup of hot coffee. Watching an old movie-black N white, classics is what I call a heaven. Hmmmm...it was only a dream...I could not relax today. Had to go out for picking out essentials. So I went and shopped. I love to buy veggies and provisions. The moment I see all those colourful veggies and grains, I am bowled over. My mind starts planning exotic dishes, experimenting with new techniques and creations. My family members are afraid to come along with me for shopping. The amount and variety of groceries, sauces and veggies i pick out, makes them crazy. My brother grumbles that I try to buy whole veggie market.  :) :)

Still they enjoy the meals I prepare. So today i picked lots of vegetables. Actually due to heavy rains and all we are facing a shortage of vegetables. The prices have sky rocketed. Specially Onions, Garlic and Tomatoes.I have stopped buying garlic. Onions we are using very sparingly. But  all the veggies are very costly. Still we cannot do away with them. So I did buy less  but more variety.

Ohh by the way I am creating some special Rangolis for the New year, have been inking my sketches of patterns and designs i collect from various sources and also create on my own...so watch out...

I am going to relax, laze around and  catch up with my hobbies...so do keep an eye..You  may have some surprises very soon.

As I am typing  my thoughts for you, I have suddenly realised that today is the last day of the year. Its a bit sad to bid adieu to old year. But New year brings new hope, new life too. I also need to make some resolutions for this New Year...I am making a list...:) let us see what happens... What about you?

 I am feeling sleepy.. So will post some tomorrow...