Rangoli

A traditional and creative way which opens the path of mindfulness.

I made it during Diwali time (2018) with rice and turmeric powder.

Sometimes we just follow what is seen by us, not knowing whether is the significance or carries the meaning. It happened with me and I am happy about it for good reason.

In India, people especially ladies have a habit of making rangoli outside their home since ages and people who don’t make it daily, make a point to make it during the festival like Diwali.

With time there are many variants of Rangoli which has evolved and had awestruck people all over the world. The beauty of rangoli not only lies in decorating the home but is scientifically significant. In the traditional home, the rangoli is made symmetric about both x and y-axis. This design is inspired by a sound wave which is one of the important subjects for physics students. As, when different harmonics combine or collaborate with each other they form pattern emitting beautiful sound. Similarly, traditional Rangoli is the visual representation of this beautiful sound waves. It is believed that when a person sees the beautiful rangoli positive vibrations develops in person’s mind as well as in rangoli’s surrounding. This means that colours and pattern stimulate the neural system.

The tradition of making rangoli is described in Hindu’s Puranas and was practised firstly by people of Maharashtra and then subsequently penetrated to other parts of India. There are many stories related to Rangoli in India and is called by different in different states. The word Rangoli is originally derived from Sanskrit word, Rangavalli, meaning creative expression by colours. The dots in traditional Rangoli symbolises the challenges which one face in life and by joining dots into a beautiful design, means one has patiently and bravely faced challenges in life. The symmetric pattern symbolises undivided attention by the rangoli designer which helps him to disconnect from his past as well as future and enjoy present. The main ingredient of Rangoli is rice powder, which is used to give respect to mother earth as well as feed insects like ants.

The modern form of Rangoli has also emerged into hard-copy, theme rangoli as to spread social awareness etc. According to my understanding during this time of being at home, people can enjoy this mindfulness exercise and bring positivity all around. As this activity doesn’t hold any set rule one can draw and express oneself. This art is innovative and holds a lot of potentials to be explored up. This article just a way towards traditional art form, I encourage you all to research more about it.

PS: The girl in this picture is me… I made it this beautiful piece of art :)

Few of my rangoli making memories are as follows.

References

1. Why do Indians draw Rangoli — Scientific Reason — Guruprasad’s Portal. Available at: http://guruprasad.net/posts/why-do-indians-draw-rangoli-scientific-reason/. (Accessed: 19th November 2020)

2. Thakur Assistant Professor, M. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL of RESEARCH-GRANTHAALAYAH A knowledge Repository A Creative Expression of Celebrations: Rangoli.

3. Rangoli: Rangoli designs and their importance — Times of India. Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/home-garden/best-rangoli-designs/articleshow/58161791.cms. (Accessed: 19th November 2020)

4. rangoli scientific reasoning | HomeManagementInfo. Available at: http://www.homemanagementinfo.com/rangoli-scientific-reasoning/. (Accessed: 20th November 2020)