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RANGOLI
The word ‘Rangoli’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘rangavalli’, which means rows of colours. The mention of this art was found in many significant ancient scripts of India. The Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata have given this art form much prominence in various instances. The sanctity and significance behind this artwork are so profound that considering it is done on the floor, it is never deliberately stepped upon. Rangolis signify good times, and homes in mourning go without a rangoli.
Kolam
Rangolis are usually drawn at the entrance or the threshold of the home with colours and other common materials like flour, ground rice, flowers, etc. The history of Rangoli can be traced to the Indus Valley Civilization. What was practiced as a part of the daily routine, has now become intrinsic to Indian culture and traditions. The beauty of this art is that it is drawn freely without the use of any tools like a ruler, thread, or brush. The artwork relies on dexterous fingers that move freely in an artistic manner, so akin to that of a skilled artisan.
Alpana
While all rangolis are very beautiful to look at, they come in different forms, use different mediums, yet have more or less the same significance. While on one hand, one of the primary reasons why a rangoli is drawn, made, or placed at the entrance, is because it is believed to ward off any negative energy and vibes from entering one's house, on the other hand, rangolis are considered to be a ceremonial decoration invoking the good spirits and deities to bring good luck to the family.
Rangolis are known by other names too: in Maharashtra, it is simply Rangoli, in Tamil Nadu Kolam, Muggu in Andhra Pradesh, Alpana in Bengal, Chowk Pujan in Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, Osa in Orissa, Sathiya in Gujarat, Mandana in Rajasthan, etc. Before applying rangoli, the women clean the specified floor area with water and only after it dries do they apply the rangoli. Rangolis come in different forms.
Chowk pujan is one of the oldest forms of Rangoli in India. It is made with a mixture of wheat flour, vermilion and turmeric.
Alpana is a traditional Bengali rangoli. This rangoli is usually white since the liquid paste used for alpana is rice powder mixed in water.
Kolam (Tamil Nadu), in its traditional context, is a daily ritual and is said to be drawn to announce auspiciousness and that all-is-well in the household, while its absence implies otherwise. Pookalam is rangoli made with flowers (pookal). Done mainly in Kerala during the harvest festival Onam, it is considered auspicious, and on all the ten days of the festival, a different pookalam is made.
Pookalam
Traditional Rangoli
Yet another form of Rangoli is the dotted rangoli found predominantly in South India. The design is made by making dots in equal lines and equal numbers in different shapes like squares, circles, stars, etc., and then it is filled with beautiful colours.
Rangoli making competitions are popular across educational institutions and other offices now, so much so, that this ancient cultural practice is being preserved and passed down the generations with great reverence and pride.
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