PETALING JAYA: Kolam artist Goghulan Harikrishnan, 50, can be seen crafting kolam art pieces at the Tropicana Golf & Country Club clubhouse and at a family home in conjunction with Deepavali, which takes place tomorrow.
However, this year's Deepavali will be muted given that the country is battling the Covid-19 pandemic.
Although Goghulan is aware of the restrictions, it has not deterred him from doing what he loves and does best.
He said Covid-19 had affected many, including himself.
"I've lost more than half the clients who usually engage me to create kolam for Deepavali.
"So while Deepavali will be low key, just like other festive celebrations this year, I will do my best for the few who engaged me to do kolam, because it is my way of spreading festive cheer during these trying times.
"I count my blessings for my family's good health and for the few clients I have."
He said having to go out and create kolam was a risk during the pandemic.
"However, I wear a face mask at all times, constantly sanitise my hands and keep a safe distance from others."
He has Charcot foot, a condition that causes the weakening of the bones in the foot, which can occur in people who have significant nerve damage (neuropathy).
His physical limitations, however, have not stopped him from creating kolam.
He said his interest in the art began when he was a teenager. He learned the basics from his aunt and gradually honed his skills.
Leaving the corporate world to pursue a full-time career in kolam-making, he has for the last three decades dedicated himself to his craft, even setting up a company called Geethanjalli Aarts Enterprise.
"I used to lead a hectic life, working in accounting, taking care of my young family and doing kolam during my free time.
"In November 1996, I achieved a milestone when I got into the Malaysia Book of Records for completing a kolam art piece measuring 35 x 50 feet for the Culture, Arts and Tourism Ministry, which my team and I finished in just two days.
"In 2010, I left my job in the corporate world to realise my dream of being a full-time kolam artist. I used to teach too but had to stop because I was busy with so many jobs and projects."
Goghulan said to immerse oneself in the art, talent alone wasn't enough.
"One needs to be committed and have passion, which is like food for the body, as it is a state of beauty that embodies a beautiful condition in reference to art, culture or even a person," said Goghulan, who pioneered and introduced peacock designs in his kolam artworks and art pieces.
He said kolam was a form of charity to animals and creatures, as the rice, rice flour, and coconut shavings used were edible materials that could later be eaten by birds, bees and insects.
"This is why I use only natural products and non-toxic, edible materials for the kolam that I make, as it is also a form of natural recycling, whereby animals can feed on it, apart from being a form of blessing at one's doorstep.
"While this present time may be a challenging period for us, I pray that all of us will get through it. So I wish all Malaysians a happy and blessed Deepavali."