Ready, Set, Color
As we get ready to end a dark, ‘blue’ year from Covid-19, India’s preparing for it’s most festive and colorful occasion.
To brighten up the spirit of Diwali — a festival of lights celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs, many Indians draw rangolis on the front porches of their homes. Diwali is celebrated at a different time each year depending on when the holiday falls per the lunar calendar. Rangolis are also drawn during other major festivals in India such as Pongal, Onam, and Tihar.
What Is Rangoli?
Rangoli is a form of art in which colorful designs are made with colored sand, chalk, flowers, or colored rice. The designs range from small, simple, color-filled circles to large, extravagant, detailed works of art.
What Are Some Other Names for Rangolis?
Rangolis have many alternate names that are used in different regions in India. Here are some examples:
- In West Bengal, a state in eastern India, rangolis are called alpanas.
- In Tamil Nadu, a southern state, they are known as kolams.
- In Andra Pradesh, another southern state, they are called muggus.
- In Rajasthan, a northwestern state, they are called madanas.
- In many northern Indian states, they are referred to as chowkpurnas.
Why Are Rangolis Drawn During Diwali?
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Rangolis are drawn during Diwali because Diwali marks the largest celebration of the year in India. When drawn during or prior to Diwali, rangolis are said to bring good luck, prosperity, calmness, and happiness to their creators.
The Origin of Rangoli
There is much folklore surrounding the origin of the rangoli. One legend tells of a king who, along with the rest of his kingdom, was grieving the death of a priest’s son. The king and his people prayed to Lord Brahma (creator of the universe) and asked him for help. Pleased by the prayers, Lord Brahma told the king to draw a painting of the dead boy on the floor, which the king did. Once the painting was done, Lord Brahma put life into the painting and brought the boy back from death, restoring happiness across the kingdom.
An alternate origin theory points to mentions of rangoli in Ramayana, the holy epic of India. The tale refers to Indian paintings seen in a pavilion during Lord Rama and his wife Sita’s wedding. Yet another myth tells that in southern India, where Andal and Lord Thirumal got married, young females would rise before dawn to draw aesthetic rangolis to welcome Lord Thirumal and commemorate the sacred union.
Whatever the case may be, rangolis are now an integral part of Indian culture and are commonly drawn in celebration of Diwali and other festivals.
Types Of Rangoli Designs
Rangoli designs are usually drawn in one of two ways:
- Circular/Symmetrical: These rangolis use circles, cones, and lines as the basis for their designs. Although rangoli designs have evolved over generations and now feature more detailed and exquisite designs, the original rangolis were always drawn symmetrically. It is said that symmetry is necessary for balance and that balance brings about a state of tranquility and cheerfulness.
- Ornamental: Ornamental rangolis make use of asymmetrical images such as birds, flowers, deities, trees and more. Ornamental designs have become more popular over the past 15–20 years. These types of designs allow their creators to think outside of the box and be more creative in making their designs.
Eco-Friendly Rangolis
Younger generations tend to prefer eco-friendly cardboard rangolis. These designs, which can be reused every year, are created by decorating recycled cardboard. The youths love letting their imaginations run miles to create beautiful, shiny, gem-filled designs. Rangolis made from flowers are also considered to be eco-friendly.
When Can I Start Making My Rangolis for Diwali?
Diwali is celebrated for five days. You can start making your rangolis before the celebration and leave them intact until the beginning of Diwali or until its last day. You can also choose to make different designs for every day of Diwali.
When is Diwali 2020?
Diwali this year is Saturday November 14th.
Happy Diwali 2020!
