Dots for Rangolies

Rangoli Borders

Rangolies for all occasions

Rangoli is one of the most popular and traditional art forms in India. It is a very creative form of Geometry or freehand art, mostly created on the floor, using white powder, made from white stone or sometimes even Rice flour. Generally these patterns are made by using a grid of dots and then freehand smooth drawings, either joining these dots or going around these dots. Once completed, these are filled with colors, which make them very attractive. The term Rangoli seems to have derived from words rang (Hindi - color) and aavalli ('colored creepers' or 'row of colors').

Diwali Rangolies

Rangoli has also attained a position of cultural importance in Hindu families. Almost every Hindu house has a Rangoli in front of their house everyday. The women, draw these Rangolies in their courtyards, everyday morning. The culture believes that, every day morning, the courtyard is washed and Rangoli is drawn, along with Pooja sanskar done for the the front door step (horsala - in kannada) and the Tulasi Plant, which is again usually situated in the courtyard. In addition to this daily routine, the Rangoli is extensively used during festival seasons. These are more grander and more colorful than the regular daily ones.