Rangoli

Rangoli hold a significant role in the everyday life of a Hindu household especially historically when the flooring of houses were untiled.

The rangoli represents the happiness, positivity and liveliness of a household, and is intended to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good luck.

Using cereal powders for rangoli is also believed as panch-mahabhoota Seva[clarification needed] because insects and other dust microbes are fed.

The usage of colours and vibrant designs are showcased during occasions such as festivals, auspicious observances, marriage celebrations and other similar milestones and gatherings.

The various names for this art form and similar practices include:[2] In middle India, mainly in Chhattisgarh, Rangoli is called Chaook and is generally drawn at the entrance of a house or any other building.

In Maharashtra and Karnataka, rangoli are drawn on the doors of homes so that evil forces attempting to enter are repelled.

In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, and many parts of Maharashtra, the rangoli or Kolam is drawn upon the ground or floor daily.

The designs are geometric and symmetrical मूल्यतः shapes but the materials used are similar rangoli: powdered quartz, rice flour or slurry is used.

Some major symbols used in rangoli are the lotus flower and its leaves, mango, Tue vase, fish, different kind of birds like parrots, swans, and peacocks, human figures, and foliage.

Some special patterns for Diwali Rangoli are the Diya also called Deep, Ganesha, Lakshmi, flowers or birds of India.

The patterns include the face of Hindu deities, geometric shapes peacock motifs, and round floral designs.

Normally the major ingredients used to make rangoli are: Pise rice solution, the dried powder made from leaves, colour, charcoal, burned soil, sawdust, and similar substances.

God's seat, depending on lamp, place of worship and sacrifice on the altar is a tradition of decorating rangoli.

Mandala is a diagram, chart or geometric pattern that represents the cosmos metaphysically or symbolically, a time-microcosm of the universe, but was originally meant to represent wholeness and a model for the organizational structure of life itself, a cosmic diagram that shows the relation to the infinite and the world that extends beyond and within various minds and bodies.

Using a white material like chalk, sand, paint or flour, the artist marks a centre-point on the ground and cardinal points around it, usually in a square, hexagon or circle depending on region and personal preference.

"Readymade Rangoli" patterns, often as stencils or stickers, are becoming common, making it easier to create detailed or precise designs.

The artist might also choose unprocessed materials like seeds, grains, spices, leaves or flower petals to achieve lifelike hues.

In Sri Vaishnavism, it is said that Andal, one among the twelve Alvars, worshipped the deity Krishna, and was married to him in the month of Margaḻi.

A rangoli on the occasion of Diwali, Goa, India
A rangoli made with flowers on the occasion of Onam
Rangoli at Delhi, India
Rangoli drawn in front of a house door on the occasion of a festival in Maharashtra
A mandala rangoli, made in an Indian household during Diwali