Rangoli is an integral part in the dazzling celebrations of Diwali. The age-old tradition is a fascinating art which requires a high amount of meticulousness, artistic sense and creativity. Read on to know more about it. Click here to refer this page to your friends and relations and include them in the joyous festivity.
Diwali rangoli designs and patterns are colorful and intricate decorative art forms created on the ground, typically in front of homes and entrances during the festival of Diwali, which is also known as the Festival of Lights. Rangoli is a popular tradition in India and with Hindus and is meant to welcome guests and bring good luck. These designs vary in complexity, from simple and geometric to highly detailed and artistic. Here are some common Diwali rangoli designs and patterns:
This design features oil lamps or diyas arranged in a circular or square pattern. It is a symbol of light and spirituality, two essential elements of Diwali.
These designs incorporate various flower patterns, such as lotus, marigold, and roses. They are not only visually appealing but also emit a pleasant fragrance.
The peacock is a symbol of grace and beauty in Indian culture. Peacock-themed rangoli designs often include intricate peacock feather patterns and vibrant colors.
These rangoli designs consist of geometric shapes like squares, circles, triangles, and hexagons. They are relatively simple to create and can be filled with various colors.
These rangoli designs involve using colorful kundan stones or gems to create intricate patterns. They add a three-dimensional and sparkling effect to the rangoli.
These rangoli designs are created by freehand drawing using colored rice, sand, or flower petals. They often feature religious symbols, deities, or other intricate designs.
The Swastika is an auspicious symbol in Hinduism, and Swastika rangolis are made to bring good fortune. It is a simple yet powerful design.
Alpana is a traditional Bengali rangoli art characterized by its delicate, fine lines and motifs. It often uses rice paste or rice flour and is a common design during Diwali in West Bengal.
Some people incorporate Happy Diwali messages or wishes within their rangoli designs, adding a personal touch to the festive decoration.
Rangoli designs featuring Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, are believed to bring blessings and prosperity to the household.
This design features the footprints of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and is meant to invite prosperity into the home.
Many people also create rangoli designs with a modern twist, using unique shapes, patterns, and a wide range of colors.
Rangoli designs can vary from region to region in India, and they offer a creative outlet for individuals to showcase their artistic skills during the Diwali celebration. The choice of design often depends on personal preferences, artistic abilities, and the time and resources available for creating the rangoli.
'Rangoli' is a Sanskrit word which means a creative expression of art through the use of color.The word rangoli may also have come from "rang" (color) + "aavalli" (row), which means row of colors, or from rang+avalli, which means creepers of colors. Basically, Rangoli is the art of drawing images and motifs on the floor and walls of one's home using different color powders. Designed with a beautiful combination of various colors, the Rangoli images create an enchanting piece of art. Basically a floor painting, a rangoli image stands for a sign of welcome. The main purpose of making rangolis in diwali is to welcome Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth, to individual homes apart from warding off the evil eye. The art of rangoli is known by different names in different regions such as "Rangoli" in Maharashtra, Alpana (in Bengal), and Kolam (in South India). Although Rangoli has its origins in Maharashtra, today it is practiced everywhere. One of the most popular arts among Indian women, rangoli is an age old custom of India, and practiced all over the country.
The Rangoli designs are passed down through generations, with some of them being hundreds of years old. Though the designs vary in different sections of India, the basic approach is common. The designs are geometric and proportioned. It has been a tradition in culturally rich India to draw Rangoli on the festivals and other auspicious occasions as it is considered a holy ritual. There is a unique relationship between the festival of diwali and rangoli. Diwali is a major festival of India and drawing rangoli on diwali is a part of diwali celebrations.
The patterns are made with finger using rice powder, crushed lime stone, or colored chalk. They may be topped with grains, pulses, beads, or flowers. Since the entire objective of making rangoli in diwali is to welcome Goddess Laxmi, small footprints coming into the home, representing the footprints of the Goddess, are also made. Rangolis can be of any size, from the size of a doormat, to the covering an entire room. Though making of a Rangoli is highly dependent on the preferences and skills of the maker, lines are always drawn on one finger movement (rangolis are always drawn with fingers) and frequently, the mapping of the rangoli is done with the help of dots, which are joined to form a pattern, and then the pattern is filled with colors. One important point is that the entire pattern must be an unbroken line, with no gaps to be left anywhere, for evil spirits are believed to enter through such gaps, if they find one. In an expert hand, the images created are elaborate and look as if they are painted. In India, this art is temporary. Each rangoli design generally stays for only a day or two as it is often redone as a part of the daily routine. Certain designs are created on special occasions such as weddings and religious festivals like Diwali.