Rangoli

Traditionally the thresholds of Indian homes were decorated with colorful rangoli patterns and intricate lines that lent a charming and welcoming note. A Rangoli is considered an invitation for Goddess Mahalakshmi to adorn and bless the house. For thousands of years, Indian homes have been adorned with paintings by women who used to pray for the wellbeing of their families and to protect their home from the evil eye.

The different regions of India have their own versions and variations on Rangoli patterns and designs. From the Rangoli kolam of South India to the rangoli patterns with powders of different hues to the artistic alpana of Bengal, the range of Rangoli designs is wide. It is referred to as Osa, Aripona, Sonarakha and Sathiya in different parts of the country.

Rangoli design

Rangoli designs are created by women on the thresholds of their houses. It is an art that is passed down the generations. Rangoli is derived from the words - rang (color) and aavalli (row of colors). The Rangoli patterns in Western Indian states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan are intricate and colorful.

Deft artists use powders in attractive colors to create Rangoli designs. Designs for rangolis usually draw inspiration from nature - leaves, mango, swans, peacocks, flowers and creepers.

The Bengali alpana Rangoli designs are created with crushed rice powder paste. Once the outlines are done, the alpanas are decorated with flower petals, grains and vermilion and dyed sawdust. Use materials such as flowers, rava, rice, marble dust, sawdust, petals, pulses and colored stones. Animals, flowers, leaves and geometrical shapes. form an important part of alpana Rangoli patterns.

The rangolis from Kerala are created with flowers such as marigolds, dahlias, roses, jasmines and chrysanthemums. During the festival of Onam, you can spot many a colorful and fragrant floral Rangoli. The Thumba flower is said to be an intrinsic part of this Rangoli design. Flowers such as marigolds and chrysanthemum are used for attractive pookalams.

Rangoli Kolam

The Rangoli takes the form of the kolam in south India. Kolam designs are usually geometrical shapes that are drawn not only in front of houses but also in pooja rooms on auspicious and religious occasions. A grid of dots is first created on the ground and deft fingers weave lines and curves of magic through this gridwork to form exquisite designs. Rangoli patterns are done with basic shapes like lines, circles, cones and arcs. Ornamental patterns of flowers, leaves, birds, sun, moon and creepers are used to enhance the rangoli design. Swastikas and conch shell patterns are used on certain religious festivals and pujas such as Satyanarayana puja and Lakshmi puja.

These dots are said to symbolize the hurdles that we face on this journey called life. Typical Rangoli kolam designs are single closed winding lines intricately woven around a grid of dots.

Early mornings in Tamil Nadu and other southern states will see the threshold being cleaned and adorned with a kolam pattern. Rangoli kolams are usually drawn with coarsely ground rice flour and is done with swift deft strokes. As legend goes, the rice flour is also food for ants. Red brick powder and colored Rangoli powder are used to enhance the kolams.

During the Tamil month of Marghazhi and on special occasions, the Rangoli kolams take on a festive note too. Kolams during the festival of Pongal are generously dotted with images of the overflowing pongal pot signifying prosperity and plenty. Some of the special Rangoli kolams are Navagraha kolam and Iswarya kolam.

If you are not very artistically inclined but yet want to adorn your house with traditional Rangoli designs, worry not! There are several stencils and tin rollers with intricate designs drilled on to their surface. These can be used to create Rangoli designs easily and quickly. Today you can also find kolam stickers that you can stick on to your doorstep.

Water Rangoli

An exciting twist to the rangoli concept is that of rangoli on water. Choose a simple design to start with. Plan it out before you embark. You can create a backdrop of talcum powder on the water. This prevents the design elements from sinking in. Use colored powder that is used during holi. You can create the designs with deft strokes on the water. Use flower petals to enhance the designs. You can use floating diyas to good effect.

Readymade Rangoli

Readymade rangolis come in an eye-catching range of designs and colors. Colorful shapes, attractive designs using stones, kundan and glass are available. Pick them up and use them at your doorstep or inside the house. You can use diyas around them to create an attractive effect. Beautiful readymade rangolis come in many shapes, some of which can be used in different combinations. Embellished with pearls, glitter, golden balls and rhinestones, these rangolis are decorative in nature. Even floating rangoli patterns can be picked up and used on glass bowls filled with water.