Rangoli - one of the major highlights of Diwali is an Indian folk art or traditional art that is created onto the floor. The scriptures or puranas can be credited for the materialization of this creative form of art. This age-old Indian art is said to be invented from Maharashtra from where it gets gradually extended in the rest parts of the country.
In different Indian states, Rangoli is called to by different names. In south India people call it Kalam while in Rajasthan it is called as Madana. In Northern part of India, it is known as Chowkpurna while in Bengal Alpana and in Bihar it is known as Aripana.
According to the erstwhile dissertation on Indian painting, called Chitra Lakshana, a king along with his empire was extremely lamented on the bereavement of the high priests’ son. Everyone including the king offered prayer to Lord Brahma- the creator of the world to grant life to the boy again. Brhamaji being moved in emotion and prayers of the people appeared & asked the king to paint a likeness of the deceased boy onto the floor. When the paint has been made, Lord Brahma put life into the portrait and hence relieved the whole Kingdom from grievances.
This mythological legend is said to be the scriptural proof of the origin of Rangoli. Rangoli is also considered Diwali gifts for people these days.
The word Rangoli is derived from the word of Sanskrit symbolizing the creative yet innovative expression of art through colours. During old days, exquisite rangoli patterns as well as designs were made onto the gateway of Indian houses for adding to its looks and welcoming guests. Besides creative art of expression, they were also regarded as a symbol of good luck. As ours is the tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhawa” means guests are like Gods, we never forget to express our cultural mannerism through Rangoli. Although the rangoli is made on most of the Indian occasions, Diwali witnesses the greatest use.
The making of perfect rangoli art demands the precise use of different colours on a properly cleaned floor. However, these creative patterns are simply two-dimensional designs; even today’s three-dimensional art becomes clumsy in front of them. Freehand application of colored powders is used to form a rangoli. The most typical way of making a rangoli is to pinch the thumb & the forefinger so as to let the colors freely run out from the freed space.
During ancient times, rangoli was one of the major decorations. Even today, they haven’t lost their grace. These traditional ways of embellishments are still in use.
