Rangoli Design Idea

Inspirational source for rangoli design

The art of Rangoli is an intrinsic part of Indian culture. While wall paintings and decorations are common amongst certain African and South American natives, decorating the floor with patterns is a cultural practice that is followed almost exclusively in India.

What is Rangoli?

Rangoli is essentially a form of folk art in which women make decorative designs on the floors of rooms or courtyards in Hindu households during festivals, marriage celebrations, and other special occasions. The purpose of rangoli is to represent deities, and to purify a particular area of the house to make it sacred in welcoming the gods. Doing this is supposed to bring good luck, well-being and prosperity into the household.

History of Rangoli

This beautiful art can be traced back to the legendary ancient Sanskrit epic called Ramayana, where Sita's matrimonial pavilion was decorated with a Rangoli. There is ancient symbolism that has been passed through the generations, which is depicted through this traditional art.

Shapes, Patterns & Colors

There are modern and traditional rangoli designs. The can come from nature or abstract art. The ancient symbols and motifs have been passed down from one generation to the next, ensuring the designs and the tradition doesn't disappear from Indian culture.

Iconic Rangoli

Rangoli created with icons, such as the swastika, lotus flower, or Lakshmi charan (feet of the goddess Lakshmi), are considered indicators of prosperity and well-being. In a Gujarati matrimony, it is mandatory to have variations of the lotus motif in the rangoli when the newly-married bride is entering her home for the first time. The logic behind this belief that the bride is a form of Lakshmi and will bring prosperity to the household, and the lotus is Lakshmi's favorite flower.

Rangoli Throughout India

Many homes, particularly in Southern India today craft rangoli daily, and not just as part of matrimonial ceremonies. The art has become an inseparable part of festivities and celebrations. Rangoli is essentially a symbol of the human spirit and a manifestation of how joy and happiness are expressed with gratitude.

The art of rangoli is referred to by different names in different provinces of India. For instance, it different places across India, it goes by the names of Chowk Pujna, Mandan, Aripan, Muggu and Saathiyo.

There are many variations on these rangolis. In Maharashtra, rangolis are drawn doors of houses so evil spirits can't come in. During the Onam festival in Kerala, one flower is added to the Rangoli design for each of the ten days. Similarly, on a typical Kerala matrimonial site or venue, elaborate rangolis are done, sometimes with fresh flowers. In Tamil Nadu the designs are usually geometric and symmetrical shapes but the materials used are similar to rangoli made in north India - rice flour in powder or paste form is used. During a Kannada vivaah, typical motifs used are elaborate geometrical flowers encircling the feet of the goddess Lakshmi.