India is the traditional home of Folklore. Be it the epic battle of Mahabharat or the silken voice of Tansen bringing about rainfall; these magical stories are part of the childhood of every Indian. India is also the home to the most varied traditions in the world. We are driven by the moral values of these traditions, becoming a better individual with every passing day. The sheer variety of these traditions make Indians stand out. In a land where trees and animals are treated with reverence, it is not a difficult task to imagine how inanimate objects also form an integral part of these traditions.

Talking of an inanimate object, it is difficult to undermine the importance of a house forming a part of the tradition. A house is said to be the abode of the deity, quite rightly so since a house is merely another structure without the people living in it, and in humans, we seek god. Just as we decorate a temple of a deity with candles, incense and flowers a Rangoli is another Indian innovation of decoration for the abode of a god.

Normally, a Rangoli is used in festivals such as Diwali to enhance the aesthetic aura of a house.

What is a Rangoli:

A rangoli is an intricate pattern, and a form of freehand art specifically drawn on floors of a building using materials such as using kolam powder, coloured rice, fuller’s earth etc. or a combination of these. Normally drawn during festivals such as Holi and Diwali such patterns can now be seen gracing households on most auspicious occasions as a sign of prosperity and good omen.

[ See More: Floor Decoration Rangoli ]

Materials Used for Rangoli:

Even though Rangoli is an art in itself in its own intricacies, the actual rangoli material is quite affordable and easy to procure. When chosen carefully, they are bound to invoke life into the design of the Rangoli and make it vividly charming. The following materials are widely used for the perfect Rangoli –