'Kolam' or 'Rangoli' is a decorative design that is put in all Indian houses.
You will usually see them before entering any Indian home. Tradiationally the
kolams are put not only at the entrances to houses but also on the table underneath
your plate while eating, near the idols and on kitchen counters. Kolams are made
from rice powder, thus it was believed that ants will come and feed of the rice powder
and thus will not eat your food or enter your house. This was the original reason for
putting kolams. Over the years the practice has developed into an art form with people
using it to exhibit their creative side. Rangoli competitions are a common sight in
school exhibitions and it requires a lot of skill to make one.

The kolam here is a simple desgin using rice powder and the different colors done by my mother.
Click here... for another.