Rangoli is a folk art where the floor is used as a canvas for decorative designs. It is a type of folk art also called Kolam and Muggu. Rangoli is laid out on multiple occasions. It is prominent during Hindu festivals. They are laid out to display a welcoming disposition and to appease Hindu deities. This tradition has been passed on from generation to generation and will continue to do so.
The materials used for decoration are flour, flowers, and colored rice. The following are some of the salient points about Rangoli.
- It is thought to bring good luck and fortune for the household.
- It is laid out to welcome Gods and Goddesses.
- Typically only women are involved in the decorative process
- It can be laid out during auspicious ceremonies, and social events as well such as Independence Day, marriage functions, and birthdays.
- Designs can range from geometric shapes to impressions of deities.
Rangoli – A purposeful decorative art
There is a purpose behind this art form. It is an integral part of religious and cultural beliefs. It is also part of a spiritual process. The process of laying out Rangoli designs is to combine spirituality with prosperity. Moreover it is a spiritual process that combines reverence to the unknown and also an intrinsic desire to celebrate the present. Rangoli symbolizes a hope and realization that the future is always in our control provided we submit ourselves to a spiritual process.
Why Rangoli?
This folk art is a platform for women to showcase their innate creative talents. It can be considered as a cathartic opportunity to bring out latent artistic talents in colorful expositions. The design process is generally collaborative. Therefore, it is an opportunity for many people to come together and put their collective thinking in action. There are no age, language, and cultural barriers to this. Many ascribe this art form to have therapeutic benefits. Laying out the designs and decorating them provides relief to the mind and joy to the soul. There is a meditative element aspect to this.
- Rangoli acts as an outlet to relieve you from your everyday stress. It is a creative process that stimulates the optimistic side in you.
- Being temporary, the designs can be changed every day. This makes it even more fun.
- Is a safe and elegant art form.
Religious significance of Rangoli
The Goddess of Wealth – Lakshmi is believed to be attracted to Rangoli. Therefore households have this decorative art to invite this Goddess to visit their homes and bless the inmates. The presence and visit of this goddess is understood to provide good luck and fortune. This is the sole reason for laying out this design. But there could be associated beliefs that vary from person to person.
Rangoli is practiced in almost all parts of the country. It is prominent in Bengal, Bihar, Rajasthan, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh.
