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India is known for its unity in diversity. India’s states are uniquely diverse, with each one differing from the others in various aspects, including languages, attire, festivals, lifestyle, cuisine, culture, and atmosphere. Diwali is one of the biggest festivals celebrated in the whole India and by Indians worldwide. People clean their houses before Diwali and decorate with festoons, lights, flowers, and rangoli. I wonder when I found the different names of Rangoli which are listed below.
- Maharashtra & Karnataka- Rangoli
- West Bengal- Alpana
- Tamil Nadu- Kolam
- Chhattisgarh- Chowkpurana
- Uttar Pradesh- Chowkpujan
- Andhra Pradesh & Telangana- Muggu
- Rajasthan- Mandana
- Gujarat- Sathiya/ Rangoli
- Kerala- Pookkalam
- Bihar- Haripan/ Aripan
In Gujarat, when Shree Krishna settled down in Dhwarika, his wife, Rukmini, started the rangoli pattern. It is known as Sathiya in Gujarat because Shree Krishna is Sathiya means partner of Rukmini.
Origin:
The word Rangoli is derived from the Sanskrit word Rangavalli which is made up of two words: ranga means color and avali means line or row. Thus, Rangavalli means rows of colors. It is an ancient Hindu art form in which various patterns and designs drawn on the floor using fingers and thumb. Nowadays, many instruments are available to make it quickly.
Materials:
Rangoli can be created with various materials like flowers, kumkum and turmeric powder, dry flour, rice, and colored sand. Before the advent of synthetic colors, ladies used natural materials to create vibrant rangoli designs, including:
- Flowers
- kumkum and turmeric
- leaves of trees for green color
- Other natural items like beetroot juice or powder, henna, coffee, and tea powder
Rice and Flour
Do you know there is noble cause of using the flour and rice? That it is a food for birds and other insects.
Occasions:
Generally, we associate rangoli with Diwali festival only but it is drawn to celebrate auspicious occasions, other festivals like Onam and Pongal, educational or business events, to create social awareness. Various competitions are held on big level and world records are made on rangoli.
People create different patterns for each of 5 days of Diwali and then for Labh pancham and Tulsi vivah on the day of Dev Diwali. The day after Diwali is known as the day of Govardhan puja. We celebrate Lord Krishna’s triumph over Lord Indra. Lord Krishna lifted Govardhan mountain to protect the people of Vrindavan from Indra’s anger (heavy rain) who is Lord of rain and storms. People create replica of little Krishna’s lifting Govardhan hill. The replica is made from cow dung which is a sign of positivity then do puja and offer annakoot (a variety of dishes that Balkrishna likes).
In many Indian homes mostly South Indian women make rangoli early morning daily after cleaning the area, outside the main entrance of the house.
In Rajasthani culture, the first puja after child’s birth is called ‘Suraj puja’ or ‘Navan’. In this puja, to make the area holy a pattern is drawn on the layer of cow dung with kumkum, turmeric, abil and gulal.
Purpose:
Behind every Indian customs lies thoughtful purpose, blending science, logic and spirituality, making each practice both meaningful and relevant. The posture used to make rangoli is a form of exercise that helps straighten the spine. It is the way to welcome guests and Gods and Goddesses and to ward off evil and bring joy in their homes. It is said that rangoli creates a positive pool of energy and bring calmness, good luck and prosperity in family.
Themes:
Rangoli includes geometric patterns, religious symbols and floral designs. When searching for patterns and designs, it’s observed that floral patterns, Shree Krishna and peacock themes are dominantly featured because Krishna is worshipped by all with different names.
There are primary two ways to make rangoli, dry and wet. Wet Rangoli: Kolam(Tamil Nadu) which reqruire water to draw patterns. It is also called kolam maavu(wet mix)
Watching videos of floating designs on water surface has left me spellbound. I will definitely try this unique art.
Have you heard the name Artist Shikha Sharma? If no, you must have seen the transition videos of a girl who erase the portraits made by her. She made world records of biggest rangoli with the help of her team(many of the team members are her students).
While many Indian art forms struggle to preserve their identity, it’s heartening to see Rangoli, a traditional Indian art form evolving commercially and showcasing it’s beauty at national- inter national events, as well as luxury venues like five-star hotels.
Read my next blog: https://essencenart.online/instant-inspiration/
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