Discover the Indian Folk Art of Rangoli Making

A Creative Activity That Children Will Enjoy

Jun 26, 2009

This summer let your children try their hand at a new art form called Rangoli.

Rangoli is a popular religious Indian art similar to sandpainting. Rangoli literally means a row of colours. Intricate designs are drawn using rice flour, limestone or other natural materials. In India these are usually made in the courtyard or at the entrance to ward off evil during festivals.

The modern day Rangoli is more creative and free forms with a painting like quality.

Materials Needed to Draw a Rangoli

Traditionally a Rangoli is drawn using white rice flour and finely ground natural powders in different colours such as turmeric, red chili,etc. But anything handy at home can be used to bring the design to life. Chalk powder or ordinary flour can be used for the white lines. Areas can then be filled in with petals, beads, cereal, etc giving the design a 3D effect.

What are Rangoli Designs?

Rangoli designs usually include geometrical patterns and symbolic motifs like lotus, fish,etc. They are drawn in a square matrix of dots which help in making the designs. Simple cross stitch designs will be the easiest to replicate. The design can be made as small or as big as required.

The Rangoli can be designed to celebrate an occasion e.g. if it’s a birthday it can show a bouquet of flowers or a present.

Dinner guests can be welcomed to special theme party with a beautiful Rangoli in the garden.

How to Draw a Rangoli Design

First the selected design is carefully drawn on paper within a set of horizontal and vertical dots. A graph paper can be used to make the drawing.
The area on the floor is then cleared. The Rangoli can be drawn at the entrance, in the balcony or a corridor. It can even be drawn on a piece of board and then displayed elsewhere within the house.
The set of dots are carefully marked at equal distance using a white powder.
The powder is held between the thumb and index finger. They are then rubbed together gently to release the powder slowly along the lines. A little practice will have the lines flowing smoothly.
The areas within the boundaries can then be carefully filled in with colors or any colorful item such as beads or petals, leaving the lines clearly visible.
The design can be made festive by adding small earthen lamps or candles.

Many sites promote the art of Rangoli making. Designs and even methods can be downloaded from them.

Rangoli competitions are very common in India especially during the Diwali festival.

The copyright of the article Discover the Indian Folk Art of Rangoli Making in Crafts is owned by Rukhsana Badar. Permission to republish Discover the Indian Folk Art of Rangoli Making in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.