Think ‘Rangoli’ or ‘Kolam’ and a splash of colors come to the fore.
The ancient art of drawing patterns on the threshold of a home originated in the Indian sub-continent. The word Rangoli is said to have derived from the word “Rangavalli” meaning color in Sanskrit. Call it muggu, kolam, mandana, chowkpurana, jhoti, chita or pookkalam, the art form evokes a feeling of goodness and aesthetic right at the door!
Rangoli is an art form where patterns using mathematical concepts or otherwise inspired mostly by nature are created on the floor or ground usually at the entrance to an Indian home. Rangolis can also be made within the home in an open courtyard or in the pooja room meant for praying or simply to decorate a corner. Several materials such as kolam powders, rice powder, flowers and leaves, colored rock, colored sand, colored rice, quartz powder are used in creating a rangoli either individually or in combination. Turmeric and Vermilion can be added for color as well. Rangolis can be drawn on an everyday basis at the entrance to a home, as is the practice in southern India. It can also be made on specific festivals such as Diwali, Sankranti, New Year as per the Indian lunar calendar, Onam and the like. In addition to this rangolis also find a prime place during any kind of religious celebration, marriage festivities, auspicious occasions, house warming ceremony, and any special pooja or ceremony.
Rangoli or Kolam has evolved as an art form over the many years. It is now showcased at not just Indian homes but also in buildings such as hotels, hospitals, public and private offices, schools, condominium lobbies and the like.
There are several faiths and beliefs associated with a Rangoli or Kolam in the Indian culture particularly amongst Hindhus. Rangolis have been mentioned in mythological texts such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. According to popular religious practices, unmarried girls are asked to draw rangolis before dawn to welcome Lord Krishna.
A rangoli or kolam represents India’s rich cultural heritage. In a land that’s as colorful and vibrant as India, rangoli is a befitting addition to every home. The art is passed down from one generation to another and some patterns used in rangolis have remained intact over centuries! The art form had hitherto thrived and will continue to do so as it has caught on the fancy of the millennials.
Have you ever tried to make a Rangoli? Share your experiences/pictures in the comments section.
