In Chennai's Thiruvottiyur, brothers Ravishankar VM and Surya VM are breaking stereotypes by mastering the intricate art of kolam, traditionally practised by women, and turning it into a platform for creativity and inclusivity.

Kolam, a symbol of auspiciousness, is drawn on the threshold of the house using finely ground rice powder. In Tamil culture, the threshold is considered significant as it is the meeting point of the internal and external parts of the home.

Their journey began during the lockdown in 2020, when Ravishankar attempted his first kolam for Tamil New Year. "It was not perfect, but I managed to get the curves and loops right," he recalls.

Inspired by childhood memories of watching their mother create beautiful kolams, the brothers rediscovered the calming and meditative joy of drawing patterns on their doorstep with rice powder.

Growing up, their mother’s kolams transformed their mornings. Ravishankar shares, "Every house had kolams larger than the threshold. My brother and I would take mental notes and try to replicate them later."

From class 9, the brothers began helping their mother with kolams, filling in colours or attempting cartoon characters. "We also learnt how to make traditional designs using pullis (dots)," Ravishankar recalls.

Lockdown brought a revival of their passion. Practising kolams became a calming ritual. "Even if one loop is drawn on the wrong dot, the design will be ruined," says Ravishankar, emphasising the focus it demands.

In June 2020, they launched Murai Vaasal, an Instagram page, to share their work. Despite facing criticism, they remained undeterred. "The art form is not a woman’s prerogative; it can be practised by anyone," says Ravishankar.

Their intricate designs now fuse tradition with innovation. For Pride 2021, Ravishankar created a rainbow kolam, and for World Yoga Day, he drew yoga asanas using traditional kolam patterns.

The brothers' Instagram journey has inspired many to try kolams. With over two lakh followers, Murai Vaasal showcases their work and challenges societal norms, proving creativity transcends gender.

Ravishankar and Surya’s kolams reflect not just artistry but also resilience. Their journey is a tribute to their mother, and a testament to how traditions can evolve to break stereotypes.