Want to learn more about the Indian Rangoli? Read on for facts and info on this traditional form of art considered to be sacred in India…
Indian Rangoli is created on the doorsteps of houses to welcome guests and good fortune during Divali. This festival also known as the Festival of lights is celebrated all across India with great relish. Traditionally the Indians buy new clothes and exchange gifts and greetings with their near and dear ones. The homes are opened to visitors and great food is enjoyed in the company of friends and family.
The Indian rangoli is a design and decor technique. The designs are basically created out of different colored powder or rice flour. The interesting and unique patterns are painted onto the floor for a festive and colorful look. Each region and state has a different unique pattern which can be associated with it.
Different Symbols Utilized In Indian Rangoli Creation
The themes followed in the Indian rangoli creation vary from basic geometrical designs, to the use of motifs symbolizing important plants and animals. These may be the lotus, a specific bird or different fish that symbolizes the coexistence and harmony between man and other creations of God.
The reason why Indian rangoli is created in a circle is because it wants to depict the infinite cycle of time. Apart from these symbols, celestial bodies are also depicted in the Indian rangoli. Depending on what the design and pattern has to reflect you will see zodiac signs, the use of planets and the sun and moon profusely in this art form.
Seashells and swastikas form some of the other symbols utilized in creating these colorful designs. The festival of lights itself denotes prosperity and joy. For this reason the design of the Indian rangolis reflect colorful patterns with basic geometric shapes like the square, circle and triangle. These are further embellished with seashells, trees, leaves and marine life. The beauty of this artwork is that it brings families together because the design is discussed and then created by a group of people. This group can show their reverence for this occasion and reflect on the importance of this occasion by participating in creating a beautiful artwork in the form of Indian rangoli.
Materials Used To Create Indian Rangolis
Basically all the edible materials are utilized to create these designs. They include a paste of rice flour, grains and pulses along with leaves of edibles plants and the yellow calendula flower. It is interesting to note that rice is used in white color and denotes prosperity, peace and harmony. Apart from this the basic color utilized is yellow. This may be incorporated by using turmeric and vermillion. Other colors utilized are a rusty colored brown hue and pale green.
The Indian Rangolis may be placed at the entrance of the courtyard or house and also in the worship rooms or dining rooms. The designs are chalked into the floor using calcium carbonate powder, stone powder or rice flour. This tradition originated from the state of Maharashtra in India but is now popular across the country. This art is transferred from one generation to the other and there is no formal training. It is utilized in elite as well as common homes across the country and has evolved into a binding tradition in India.
