These designs are called "kolam" in Tamil. It is the custom in Tamil Nadu for the head female of the household to sweep in front of the house at the start of the day and create one of these beautiful, intricate patterns. The patterns have some basic rules of construction, but they vary greatly between households and from day to day. They are intended as a self-reflective exercise for the woman - the pattern will reflect her mood and internal feeling on that day. This is the start of the new…