Rangoli Decorations

RANGOLI DECORATIONS

Rangoli also known as Kolam is a folk art from India. Rangoli are decorative designs made on the floors of living rooms & courtyards during Hindu festivals. They are meant to be sacred welcoming areas for the Hindu deities. The ancient symbols have been passed on through the ages...from each generation to the next...thus keeping both the art form & the tradition alive.

The purpose of Rangoli is decoration...& it is thought to bring good luck. Design-depictions may also vary as they reflect traditions, folklore & practices that are unique to each area. It is traditionally done by women...but over the years modern additions have been adapted. Generally, this practice is showcased during occasions such as festivals, auspicious observances, celebrations of marriages & other similar milestones & gatherings.

Rangoli designs can be simple geometric shapes, deity impressions, flower & petal shapes (appropriate for the given celebrations)...but they can also become very elaborate designs crafted by numerous people.

The patterns are typically created with base materials usually with dry or wet granulated rice or dry flour, Sindoor (vermilion), Haldi (turmeric) & other natural colors can be added. Chemical colors are a modern variation. Other materials include colored sand & even flowers & petals, as in the case of Flower Rangolis.