Rangoli Designs to spruce up homes during Diwali
Rangoli is an ancient folk-art form which is usually made during festivals, in which patterns are created on the floor using materials such as coloured sand, coloured rice, dry flour or flower petals. It is known by different names, though present in different forms all over India. For instance, Alpana (West Bengal), Aripan (Bihar), Kolam (Tamil Nadu), Madana (Rajasthan), Rangoli (Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra) and so on. And is made, as it is believed that adorning the area near the entrance door or the puja room, signifies the welcoming of goddess Laxmi and guests inside the house.
Basically, two types of Rangoli is created:
- The form-dominant type which includes circles, cones and lines.
- The ornamental type which consists of images of deities, birds, animals, trees, and flowers. Usually, in the centre it has a conch, Swastika, moon or sun.
Different materials and techniques used for making Rangoli Designs:
Material - Rangoli Colours: These are synthetic and chemical-based colours, which is readily available in the market.
Techniques:
- Dots: The simplest and easiest way to make an elaborate symmetrical Rangoli is by putting equidistant dots on the floor. This is one of the most used techniques of Rangoli.
- Sieve: The sieving technique in Rangoli-making is one of the easiest and quickest methods of filling colours in the Rangoli designs. You just need a sieve with moderate-sized holes.
- Free-Hand: If you are a pro at understanding the Rangoli powders, the pouring techniques, and so on this type of Rangoli-making is probably the quickest one. Shading too can be achieved easily if you are thorough with the art.
- Moulds: Since there are various numbers of mould/design sheets available in local markets to opt from, it has made intricate Rangoli-making absolutely jiffy.
- Pour: Use apparatuses like an old bottle or use a plastic cone to create the Rangoli. But the pouring technique of Rangoli is only possible if the Rangoli powder is slightly coarse and sandy.
- Pinch and Release: The most traditional technique of ‘putting’ Rangoli powder is pinching the powder in between the index finger and thumb and releasing it in line. This technique is relatively slower, but the results are superb!
Coloured stone Rangoli: Coloured stones are the option to go for, to create abstract and big Rangolis instantly.
Sticker Rangoli: Sticker Rangolis require absolutely zero-efforts. You just need to peel off the sticker and paste it properly on the floor.
Rangoli Material - Petals: There can’t be a brilliant way than using flowers for Rangoli. Along with the fragrance, the vibrant, colourful flowers when used in Rangoli design, take the design to an altogether new level. For instance, opt for petals of jasmine, rose, marigold, daisy for making Rangolis. To enhance the Rangoli design further, use leaves or strings of garlands to create an outline of the Rangoli.
Techniques:
- Floating: Floating Rangoli is usually arranged with flowers and flower petals. If you have a bigger sized hall and want to enhance the corner, opt for the floating arrangement to add colour to the home space.
Coloured pulses and grains: The texture of the pulses and grains gives a nice feel and visual presentation to the Rangoli. Moreover, they are nature-friendly too.
Rangoli with Diyas: Make Rangolis more gorgeous by using tiny diyas. Draw a design on the floor and place the diyas accordingly. Even tealight candles can be used instead of diyas, to make a Rangoli.
Rangoli with Rice Flour: This type of Rangoli technique is nearly thousands of years old and looks mostly white and simple
