Rangoli
Created | Updated Feb 4, 2008
Rangoli (pronounced ran-goal-ee), otherwise known as Alpana and Kolam is a traditional Indian art form. A rangoli is made from flowers, paint, colourful food ingredients and other household items. Usually the art form shows a traditional Indian image, which can be any size the artist chooses. Rangoli are said to bring good luck and fortune during the Hindu festival of Diwali (The Festival of Light). They are created in front of the entrances of houses, in courtyards, in places of worship, at places to eat and can be painted on to walls.
Creating a Rangoli
Design
First the artist decides on a design that they want to draw. This design may be inspired by books and magazines or come from the artist's own imagination. Often designs reflect the Hindu gods and goddesses such as Brahma (creator of the universe), Shiva (the destroyer of the universe), Vishnu (preserver and protector of the universe), Lakshmi (Vishnus consort), Kali (wife of Shiva) and Krishna (an incarnation of Vishnu). The most popular of these gods to picture in rangoli is Lakshmi, who is believed by Hindus to visit their houses during Diwali. In order for her to find her way easily diyas (otherwise known as oil lamps) are often placed around the rangoli. Lakshmi is often pictured holding a lotus flower, but many other flower designs and real flowers such as roses and marigolds are used in rangoli too. Designs of animals such as cows, elephants, horses and birds like eagles and swans are also popular. Many of the designs are circular in shape reflecting endless time. Sometimes the artist may even draw the design on a piece of paper and colour it in with pens before they start the proper rangoli.
Ingredients
Once the design has been chosen, it is time to clean the floor where the rangoli will be created and choose the ingredients that will lend both colour and beauty to the art work. Traditionally, rice powder and coloured sand is used to create a rangoli. However, a wide variety of natural substances such as plants, flowers, fruit, spices, seeds and grasses can be used as can man made sources like powder paints. Some ingredients can be coloured before being used in the rangoli. To colour rice, simply add a few drops of food colouring to the rice and dry the rice off after this process.
Creation
Once the area in which the rangoli is to be made is dry and the ingredients have been chosen, it is time to lay down the image in chalk. Using chalk allows for mistakes in the design to be rectified as it is easy to rub out. Now using the thumb and index finger pick up the ingredients and fill in the design. Follow the chalk outline and with a steady hand place the ingredients on the design outlined. Try not to mix the colours and run over the lines. With time and patience the rangoli will take shape and be pleasing on the eye to even Lakshmi.