#rangoli

On the occasion of the Hindu New Year, here's one of the most popular and beloved art forms from India - rangoli!

Rangolis are designs and/or drawings made on the ground conventionally using coloured powders, flower petals, or full flowers - though in recent times, rangolis are also made in different media such as paint, wool, beads, etc. In traditional Indian households, a small new rangoli is made just outside the door and/or near the devghar (worship area where idols of deities are kept; literally translates to "house of gods") every single day - and during festivals or on holy days, larger, more elaborate rangolis become the pride of your festive decoration.

Rangolis are primarily made by the women of the house - girls are traditionally taught rangoli art from a very young age. Personally, I am hopeless at it - it is extremely difficult to control the flow of a thin powder from between one's fingers, let alone draw something in smooth strokes - but some of my friends are wonderful at it, creating beautiful, intricate art. It is considered a household activity in India rather than a proper art form - which is why in so many of the pictures, you'll notice the rangolis have been made on tiled floors, or in small terrace areas - but in modern times, it has developed into a social activity of sorts, and rangoli-making events and competitions are a part of everything from festival celebrations to corporate team-building activities.

The most common motifs in rangolis are peacocks, lotus flowers, swans, leaves, etc. - but in events and competitions, especially large scale ones where groups make rangolis that are several tens of square metres in area - portrayal of social issues and challenges, especially those pertaining to women, has become very common. Enjoy this small collection of rangoli art!