Rangoli - A Timeless Tradition

Rangoli:

A Timeless Tradition

By Renu Singh-Joseph

From India to Canada, homes this Diwali will be decorated with bright, vibrant rangolis boasting intricate and gorgeous designs and artistry.

The word rangoli is derived from two words – ‘ rang’ and ‘aavali’ – meaning ‘rows of colours,’ and this holds true as rangolis are placed in the entryway or foyer of the home as a beautiful gesture to welcome Goddess Lakshmi with open arms during Diwali.

A timeless tradition, rangoli is an ancient art form that has been passed on through generations within a household, and some designs are hundreds of years old. This Diwali, teach your children the art of rangoli-making and if you don’t have a familial pattern, come up with a new pattern that can be passed among current and future generations within your family.

Throughout India, rangoli designs differ throughout the diverse states but there is a common theme. For example, rangoli designs that are circular in shape represent a sense of eternity and timelessness, whereas rangolis with geometrical patterns incorporating dots and lines to make squares and swastikas to footprints, trees and lotus flowers represent unification between humans and nature. In addition, celestial symbols – the sun, moon and zodiac signs – are also common themes for rangoli designs.

Where to start? Rangolis can be made from a number of materials, such as coloured chalk, crushed limestone, and rice powder. Rangolis range in size and depth, but most homes showcase rangolis the size of a doormat near the entrance. Moreover, rangoli designs can be simple or difficult depending on the intricacy of the pattern.

A great way to get your kids involved is to print out colouring pages of rangolis from the Internet or Pinterest, and get them excited to create their own colourful designs. Ask your children to pick their favourite printed pattern, and

then re-create the design in your home.

As Diwali transcends into the modern world, environmentally-friendly methods are becoming popular as homeowners are now infusing ecofriendly practices with timeless traditions like rangolis.

Go organic – avoid using chemical-based colours to make your rangoli design. Instead, use natural colours and dyes like rice flour, turmeric powder, kumkum, and leaves. Moreover, you can incorporate fresh flowers (marigolds, roses, carnations) to bring more colour into your design and the best part – the flowers will add a natural, sweet fragrance the family would like to showcase in the home. For beginners, try a more simple geometric or floral design. For those experienced, opt for a larger, complex design like an animal or the Goddess Lakshmi herself.

to your house for Diwali! Enjoy Rangoli Time With Family!

Constructing a rangoli is a wonderful way for the family to bond during Diwali. You can make it a family activity by asking your spouse and children to participate in the different steps to creating a unique and beautiful rangoli. Here are a few tips:

Design Outline

Once you decide the location of your design, you can outline the pattern directly on the floor or draw it on paper of a thicker stock. To give dimension to your outline, use white, textured material like semolina, rice or sand.

Fill

This is the fun part, use your selected materials to entirely fill in the rangoli, leaving no open spaces. Mix different textures and colours in your design to add that wow factor to your rangoli.

Final touches

Once your rangoli is complete, write a few wishes in chalk around the design or add candles, diyas or lanterns to light up your rangoli, afterall it is the festival of light – Happy Diwali!