Rangoli

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Rangoli is a traditional decorative folk art of India. They are decorative designs on floors of living rooms and courtyards during Hindu festivals and are meant as sacred welcoming area for the deities.[1] The ancient symbols have been passed on through the ages, from each generation to the one that followed, thus keeping both the artform and the tradition alive. Rangoli may be known by other names in the different provinces, but they are tied together by the commonality of the use of traditional Symbols and what they signify. The purpose of Rangoli is decoration and it is thought to bring good luck. Design-depictions may also vary as they reflect traditions, folklore and practices that are unique to each area. It is traditionally done by women. Over the years, tradition has even made room for "Modern" additions, that add some "flair" to this beautiful expression. These characteristics gives it its diversity and its various dimensions.

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Generally, this practice is showcased during occasions such as festivals, auspicious observances, celebrations of marriages and other similar milestones and gatherings. Rangoli designs can be as simple as geometric shapes, deity impressions and flower and petal shapes that are appropriate to the given celebrations, but can become very elaborate with many people coming together to work on the designs. The base material is usually dry or wet granulated rice or dry flour, to which Sindhoor(vermillion), Haldi(tumeric) and other natural colours can be added...chemical colours are another "modern" variation. Other materials that are now used are coloured sand and even flowers and petals as in the case of Flower Rangoli's.


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