Rangoli - The Colorful, Vibrant Indian Art Form

Usually in India, as per Hindu tradition, we see beautiful and vibrant color patterns drawn at the entrance of homes, temples, halls/mandaps , on walls, or courtyards on any auspicious occasions. This art is called "RANGOLI" and holds a significant importance to for the event.

History and Origins:

Rangoli is an ancient Hindu art form from India dating back some 5,000 years to the pre-Aryan period.

The term Rangoli is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Rangavalli', it means rows/patterns/array of colors (rang). It is believed to bring good luck, prosperity on the house and in the family, and to welcome guests.

Rangoli is religiously drawn during weddings, pujas, rituals, festivals like Pongal, Onam, Diwali, Ganpati, Dussehra and Hindu new year. This is one of the tradition which is passed upon from generations just by participating in the task of drawing rangolis and filling it with colors. Nobody teaches this explicitly to the next generation. :-). Because of its significance, Rangoli is never put up for funerals.

Even today, in most Indian places, every morning Rangoli is drawn in front of homes after sprinkling the front yard with water. Rangoli is usually made before sunrise.

Earlier, flour (rice/wheat/any other grain) was used to draw Rangoli patterns, which was a way to prevent rodents and insects to enter house/storage rooms. This, was one of the ideas used by our ancestors to protect their crop storage as mice/rodents would not enter house if they were able to have flour outside the house :-)

Materials for Rangoli:

• Powdered limestone (white) and its colored variations.

• Different colored flower petals and leaves (marigolds, roses, etc,)

• Plastic sheets with permanent rangoli pattern, which is stick on floor at entrance.

Today, you can see various artists use reusable items like colored glasses, peddles, paper to put up rangoli; which is creative and intuitive.

Types of Rangoli:

• Dotted pattern, called as Kolam in South India.

• Sanskar Bharti : free flowing pattern drawn with white powder on colored concentric circles; which increase outwards.

• Floral Patterns.

• Geometric Patterns use of triangles and circles

• Free Art - rangoli of famous personalities, places, etc...

Whatever is the history, whatever is the pattern and material used, a simple Rangoli sets the mood of the house positively. The vibrant colors enhance the senses and makes one cheerful.

Why this post:

Like many households, no one taught me to put rangolis. I observed my mother and other elders doing this and started myself. Drawing the patterns in my school books and trying to put them on the floor, this was an entirely "trial-and-error" process.

I'm not even sure, how many times I would have swept the floor just because I was not happy with the outcome. Growing up, this is still a discomfort area as I don't put rangoli daily; especially during festive periods. Just to remind, I'm not a novice.

Same statements, repeated every year "CANT MAKE RANGOLI", "UGGH..!! taking so much of my time"

This year, I somehow managed to pass the Diwali period, by taking ample amount of time and tools to put rangoli for 4-5 days.

I know practice makes a semi-perfect man and unless I do something different, there wont be any difference.

I love making traditional DOTTED colored Rangolis

So now, I have decided to put simple, dotted rangolis daily at entrance of my flat and share them with you stepwise. This is will firstly create my collection of rangolis, secondly, make me practice atleast 4-5 times a week and last but not the least , help you all have a handy place to refer to rangolis.

I'm far from being perfect and plan to work upon the same. Hopefully, next Diwali would be different wherein i wont struggle with Rangoli :-)

I will share atleast 2 rangolis weekly.

Cheers to the mindset and welcome one and all...!!!

Pattern - 1 (click here)