Rangoli is a Sanskrit word that means ‘creative expression of art through the use of color’. It has religious and cultural significance. The word rangoli also refers to ‘rang’ (colour) + ‘aavalli’ (row) which means ‘row of colours’. It is the art of drawing patterns and motifs around and in the house with different colors of powder, originating from Hinduism. Designed with a beautiful combination of different colors, rangoli can create a mesmerizing piece of art. Drawing rangoli is a way to express joy and spread happiness. However, there is also a deeper meaning behind these designs. If rangoli is drawn in front of the entrance of a house, it has the power to create pleasure in the mind of the one who sees it. As a result, a person who enters your home will leave his negative feelings outside and enter with a lot of positivity and joy, thereby bringing you more happiness.
Women’s tradition
The art of rangoli is known by other names in various areas of India, such as alpana in West Bengal, kolam in South India, mandana in Rajsthan, chowkpurna in North India and aripana in Bihar. Although rangoli has its origins in Maharashtra, it is now practiced all over India. This ancient custom of India is traditionally performed by women and is therefore one of the most popular art forms among Indian women.
Inspiration from nature
The rangoli designs have been passed down from generation to generation, some designs are more than 100 years old. Although the drawings vary in different parts of India, the basic approach is the same. The drawings can be simple geometric figures, divine prints or flower(petal) shapes, but also very complicated patterns drawn by several people. The designs are often inspired by nature, but can also be abstract art forms. It is tradition in culturally rich India to draw rangoli during festivals and other auspicious events as it is considered a sacred ritual.
Diwali
There is a unique relationship between the festival of Diwali and rangoli. Diwali is an important festival in India and drawing rangoli during Diwali is part of the festive celebrations. The main purpose of making rangolis during Diwali is to welcome Goddess Lakshmi – the Goddess of abundance and wealth – into individual homes, besides warding off the evil eye. Small footprints are made leading to the house, which represent the footprints of the Goddess.
Different sizes
The patterns are made with the finger with rice powder, ground limestone or colored chalk. They can be decorated with grains, legumes, beads or flowers. Rangolis can be any size, from the size of a doormat to covering an entire room. Making rangoli depends a lot on the preferences and skills of the artist. The lines are always drawn with one finger movement. Mapping rangoli is often done using dots, which are connected together to form a pattern. Then the pattern is filled with different colors.
Evil spirits
An important point is that the entire pattern should be a broken line, without leaving gaps anywhere. It is believed that evil spirits can enter these holes if they find one. Experts create drawings so detailed they look like a painting. In India this art is temporary. On average, each rangoli design only lasts for one or two days as it is often redone as part of a daily routine. Specific designs are drawn during special events such as weddings and religious festivals.
Transience of life
Rangoli is also an important part of a spiritual process. It can be seen as cleansing the mind and prosperity and happiness comes from such cleansing. In addition, it represents a philosophy that enthusiastically embraces the transience of life. It symbolizes a commitment to the intention of living in the moment or now. The ultimate goal of rangoli is to start the next day with a clean slate. It is a symbol of eternal renewing creation, life itself. Rangoli drawn with icons such as the swastika, lotus flower or Lakshmis footprints represent prosperity. Many households draw rangoli on a daily basis and it has become a part of modern Indian society. Nowadays you can also buy plastic molds to make rangoli.