Rangoli and its significance in Indian Tradition

Rangoli and its significance in Indian Tradition

Rangoli, also known as Kolam is a traditional art of decorating courtyards and walls of Indian houses, places of worship and sometimes eating places as well. The powder of white stone, lime, rice flour and other paste is used to draw intricate and ritual designs.

Rangoli is an ancient cultural tradition and folk art from India. The name and style of rangoli in different regions may vary, but the spirit and culture behind it have many similarities.

"Rangoli" is an amalgamation of two words-Rang or Rangam and Holi. Rang or Rangam means colour/s and Holi means play or celebration-So, It is playing with colours.  Colours and significance of colours called Spectroscopy, Spectrum are chapter in Physics and Psychology. Our ancestors perhaps had in depth knowledge of the colour and impact of sunlight and so on.  

In other way it is Mathematics too- "Symmetry" on both Left and Right side. Some call it as similar to "YIN-YANG" or "SWASTIK" symbol.

Rangoli, also known as Alpana, Kolam and by other names is a traditional art of decorating courtyards and walls of Indian houses, places of worship and sometimes eating places as well. The powder of white stone, lime, rice flour and other paste is used to draw intricate and ritual designs.

When we look back to the history, it is amazing to find the reference made of rangoli in Hindus Valley civilization. Alpana is a name of rangoli. Mohen-jo-daro and Harappa were also Alpana Ommandi meet the mark. Vatsyayan Alpana's work - the formula is described in Chausst arts. Usually in terms of its origin is known that 'Alpana' word Sanskrit’s - 'Oalanpeen word is derived from, Oalanpeen means - to plaster. In ancient times people believed that these funds artistic painting the town and villages - are able to contain cereal is full of magical effects and reserve assets. This approach was Alpana art practiced religious and social occasions. Many fast or worship, which is given the Alpana, Aryan is the era before.

But today, one can see the practice of drawing rangoli and its significance maintained in South India. Though the apartment culture has made many to give up this practice, still some hold to practice drawing rangolis with chalks if not with rice flour.  It is marvelous to see that each state of India has its own way of painting Rangoli. One characteristic of Rangolis is that it is painted by the masses.  

Rangoli is made in two ways. Dry and wet. Both a generous and is created by adding other points. The rangoli made by adding points to the first white paint on the ground in a particular size are made certain point then shaking the points is a beautiful figure takes shape. After creating the desired shape, there are full colours. A freehand rangoli image is created directly on the ground.

 Traditionally Rangolis are drawn or painted with rice powder. A symmetrical pattern or picture of Gods, Goddess, Dancers, Diyas etc. is drawn and by adding edible colours with rice powder is then layered on top to form a picture. A symmetrical rangoli pattern can be drawn on paper or card and then decorated by children with crumpled tissue paper.  The main objective behind is to feed the insects and at the same time arresting them from entering the houses. It is only in our rich tradition ‘Annadanam’ and feed others is equal to feeding almighty. See God in all beings.

Most of the patterns are circular indicative of the endlessness of time. The day-to-day Rangoli patterns are simple or intricate. The most common rangoli designs start with dots which are connected to form lines and other geometrical shapes such as the swastika, aum, stars, squares, circles, triangles etc. These geometrical patterns must be formed in continuous, unbroken lines.

Spaces can be created within the rangoli design to place diyas. One can also use flower petals of different colors such as golden marigolds, bright red roses to add that extra dimension to the pattern. With a little bit of imagination, a dash of aesthetic sense and dollops of patience, one can create a piece of art with colours.

Drawing Rangolis by women has many significances, one it gives a way to the creativity and imaginations. Secondly, bending once body and drawing also prevented from pot-belly and other backache problems. In olden days, all the household chores right from grinding, pounding, crushing, sweeping, mopping, was purely done by women at home. These chores acted as physical exercises as, all parts of the physical body received ample of exercises every day. Women seldom complained about arthritis and other ailments.  Drawing rangolis also reveals good mood, patience and creativity parlance of women.

Most of the rangolis drawn are of geometric patterns and peripheral. One thing common across all the states in India is the raw material used is edible rice flour, pulses,leaves and the floor painting is invariably white in colour. Along with rice flour, turmeric and vermilion are used as they considered auspicious.

Each state of India has its own way of painting Rangoli. One characteristic of Rangolis is that it is painted by commoners. On some special occasions like Dipavali it is painted in every home, with or without formal training in Rangoli art. The art is typically transferred from generation to generation and from friend to friend.

On some special occasions like Deepavali it is painted in every home, with or without formal training in Rangoli art. The art is typically transferred from generation to generation and from friend to friend.

Traditionally Rangolis are painted or created out of colored sand/rice powder. 

Thanks to the unknown friend for contributing such wonderful information below

Different names of Rangoli

In every region of India, it is known by different names:

Kerala : 'Puvidal' ( Puv means flower and idal means arrangement, i.e. Rangoli by flowers.

Tamil Nadu : 'Kolam' ( kolam - name of a specific quality of rice. Rangoli is drawn by using rice flour)

Andhra Pradesh: 'Muggu' (Rangoli is drawn by using thick batter of soaked rice flour)

Karnataka : 'Rangoli' ( From the powder of a special kind of a rock. Tiny dots are drawn on the floor usually in even numbers. These dots are joined with the powder in a geometrical fashion)

Maharashtra: 'Rangvalli' ( Rangoli thick powder made from special rock is used in various colors, and the powder of burnt rice skin is used to draw rangoli in Konkan part of Maharashtra )
Gujarat : 'Sathiya' ( Rangoli is known by this name )

Rajasthan : 'Mandana' ( rice flour mixed with little turmeric. It is drawn on the walls)

Madhya Pradesh: 'ChowkPurna' (Traditional designs fitted in square with leaves and flowers)

Uttar Pradesh: It is known as 'Sona Rakhana'

Orissa : It is known as 'Ossa'

Almora - Garhawal : It is well popular known as 'Alpana'

Bengal : In Bengal it is drawn by soaked rice made into paste and known as 'Apana'