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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.

'Rangoli' is a Sanskrit word which means a creative expression of art through the use of color.The word rangolirangoli 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.


Rangoli Decoration Themes

Rangoli designs are generally based on themes that have been in use through ages. The common rangoli themes are the celestial symbols such as the rising sun, moon, stars, zodiac signs, holy symbols like Om, rangolimangal kalash, swastika, chakra, a lighted Deepak, trident, "shree", lotus etc. Goddess Lakshmi in the lotus symbolizes the figure of renewed life. Other popular themes are natural images like flowers, creepers, trees, fish, birds, elephants, dancing figures, human figures and geometrical figures such as circles, semi-circles, triangles, squares and rectangles. Drawing Diwali rangoli at the entrance door of individual homes is the common sight during Diwali decoration. For this, the footsteps of Goddess Lakshmi entering into the home are designed at the main entrance of the home or near the place of worship, which indicates the entrance of prosperity in the home. This is the special Diwali rangoli for the entrance. It is considered auspicious as it signifies showering of good luck and prosperity on the house and in the family.



However, all said and done, the theme and design of a Diwali Rangoli is dependent upon the creativity andrangoli imagination of an individual. Rangoli can be improvised into diverse visual art forms. There is really no limit to what you can do with a Rangoli. Because of this aspect of Rangoli, some Hindu communities in India actually organize Rangoli competitions during Diwali celebrations and prizes are given for the best designs. It is a delight to see the colorful designs unfold in the lights and fireworks of Diwali.

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