The kolam, or "rangoli" is a traditional mandala, a geometric pattern, that women design in front of their houses during festivities. In Tamil culture is a strong form of expression by the women, who express their feelings in this secret way. This festival takes place in Bharat Nivas, the "Indian culture and spirit" pavilion of Auroville's International zone, every year soon after the Pongal festivities, and hundreds of women gather from Auroville and the nearby villages to show their skills in this particular art.