About Rangoli

Rangoli  is a folk art from India in which patterns are created on the floor in living rooms or courtyards using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals. It is usually made during Diwali, Onam, Pongal and other Indian festivals.

Rangoli is extremely popular around India. Usually, they are known by different names in different provinces, like ‘Rangoli’ in Karnataka, ‘Rangvalli’ in Maharashtra, ‘Kolam’ in Tamil Nadu, ‘Muggu’ in Andhra Pradesh, ‘Mandana’ in Rajasthan, ‘Alpana’ in West Bengal, ‘Aripana’ in Bihar, ‘ChowkPurna’ in Madhya Pradesh, ‘Sathiya’ in Gujarat, ‘Ossa’ in Orissa, ‘Sona Rakhana’ in Uttar Pradesh, and so on. Each of these states has its own unique way of creating designs and patterns. The materials used for developing the art also differ a lot. But all of them are made for welcoming the deities during various festivals and here comes the importance of rangolis.

The rangolis were not only adoration and ornamentation of the earth which sustains us, but equally a ritual invocation of the Gods for acquiring their blessings, thus making these floor designs a visual prayer created on the earth. Drawn with rice powder, lime or chalk, the process of creation is as important as the finished form. The designs drawn thus on the floor have a magical power and presence. They were used as welcoming signs at the entrance of the house, for a guest must be welcomed with grace and elegance. Beauty being equated with godliness, it was also the symbol of good omen and therefore is associated with every phase of life. These universal patterns and symbols were created and revered during rituals