Rangoli: A colorful Identity of India

Colors are the true identity of India. Vibrant colors of nature drench every nook and corner of this vast country. Colors hold an important place in the cultural values of India. Beside cheer and gusto, colors set the mood of numerous festivals falling throughout the year in India. Diwali is understood to be the biggest festival of India and rangoli is the coloring factor of this festival. Almost every household is decorated by attractive designs of rangoli on Diwali.

Though rangoli was originated in Maharashtra, it is hugely popular all over the country. In West Bengal, it is known as alpana; in southern India, it is known as kolam. Rangoli is made in front of the houses at courtyards and on the walls. The designs are made using white stone powder, limestone powder, sand or rice powder and other naturally available dry powder colors. Rangoli is like a painting done on the ground. The most important fact about rangoli is that this is painted not by the professionals but the common people. The traditions of rangoli drawing have been strengthening from generations to generations.

The most common patterns of rangoli are circular, linear and floral. Circular Rangoli pattern indicates the endlessness of time. The pictures of gods and goddesses, flowers, flower petals and diyas are also drawn with different vibrant colors. The signs like Aum, Swastika, Stars, Squares, Circles and Triangles are also put to decorate the drawing.

Rangoli, actually, is a sign to welcome the guests. On the dazzling night of diwali, rangoli drawing welcomes the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. Rangoli paintings are of temporary nature. They are not preserved for long period. They are most significant on the night of Diwali. White, red, green, saffron and yellow are the principal colors used in the drawing. In India, the tradition of Rangoli has been in practice since hundreds of years and it is strengthening with every passing diwali.

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Rajneesh Dubey is Content Coordinator for www.india-crafts.com