“Rangoli is like a life; where everything you have to do is connect the appropriate points to make them perfect.”
Rangoli is an Indian traditional or folk art, usually produced at various festive events on the floor. The Indian writings and Puranas can be ascribed for the development of this innovative Rangoli art. The legendary work of Hindu mythology. It’s said that this old Indian art came from the Indian state of Maharashtra, which subsequently spread over the rest of the nation.
Rangoli is also supposed to boost good luck as it brightens the holiday celebrations. This art form comes from Bangladesh, Nepal and India. Rangoli designs are also known as Alpana and are made on the ground using rice, flowers, or paints.
The goal of Rangoli is to adorn our environment and provide happiness. The sorts of designs may also differ since they reflect distinct traditions, folklore and rituals in every location. Girls or women usually do this. The guys also participate sometimes. This practice is presented at festivals, marriage celebrations, favourable observance and other similar events and meetings. This practice is also demonstrated.
Rangoli art is a traditional way of good luck and throughout the years has remained untouched by its popularity. One of the most popular festival events is the Rangoli contests. Rangoli is a spiritual colour distribution and is thus a hallmark of good luck. The symmetry of the yin and yang symbol or Swastika is kept by most Rangoli patterns. And symmetrical patterns are seen as a symbol of wealth, happiness and progress in all religions across the world.
THE ORIGIN OF RANGOLI
In many Indian states, Rangoli is titled differently, such as Southern India, Kolam, Madana in Rajasthan, Chowkpurna is named Rangoli in northern India, Alpana in Bengal, and Ariana in Bihar. The monarch and his country were exceedingly sorrowful at the death of the high priest’s son according to the first disquisition and book on Indian painting, entitled Chitra Lakshana. The creator of the world, Lord Brahma, prayed for giving life to the kid.
Everyone alongside the monarch prayed. Brahmaji arrived and called the king to paint a deceased boy’s portrait on the floor, as he was affected by these people’s priests. Life was put into the painting, and the whole kingdom was so relieved of his agony and sorrow. The Scriptural proof of the origin of this wonderful Hindu art, called Rangoli, is regarded as a mythical tale.
THE IMPORTANCE OF RANGOLI IN DIWALI-
Diwali, mainly to announce the Goddess Lakshmi arrival, is celebrated. She has presented prayers, in the form of riches, asking for her favours. Therefore, at the entrance to the house, a Rangoli pattern has been developed to receive not only visitors but also the Goddess herself. The designs of Rangoli are generally formed of chalk coloured, powdered rice and calcareous. How large a Rangoli can be is unlimited.
Most Rangolis are of the same size as an entry doorway. These Rangolis are particularly popular with urban people, who have little room. It is not unusual to have a whole courtyard full of colourfully decorated Rangoli for larger buildings like bungalows. The range of patterns and levels of complexity for the Rangoli depends heavily on the Rangolis talents and skills.
A Rangoli is always handmade and all the patterns are handmade. Normally, a line resembling a pencil is drawn with one finger. A pattern may, in some circumstances, be drawn by pointing gestures that are united at the end. The required colours will be filled when a pattern is generated.
Diwali is being celebrated at home to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. People pray in the form of riches and demand their blessings. Goddess Lakshmi is created to welcome Rangolis. A Rangoli is normally also confined to Goddess Lakshmi with the pattern of a lotus. During the event, the Rangolis also offer guests a welcome gesture. The production of rangolis at the door is also thought to provide positive energy and deter evil from the house.
TRADITION OF RANGOLI IN DIFFERENT STATES-
Patterns of Rangoli vary from country to country.
- Two connecting triangles would generally be a basic Rangoli. These symbolize the Divine of Wisdom, Saraswati. The triangles are marked with a 24-petal lotus border. At the four corners of the frontier, little footprints are representing the footsteps of Lakshmi. Lakshmi footprints are drawn at the doorway in the northern areas of Bihar, and the toes point towards the doorway to the dwelling.
- A typical Rangoli created in Andhra Pradesh contains a lotus with eight petals made by several geometric models. It is named “Ashtadal Kamal.” This lotus has a name.
- The 8-petalled Lotus is replaced by an Eight-pointed star in Tamil Nadu, called “Hridaya Kalam.” That signifies the heart lotus. Gujarat alone presumes that there are over 1,000 variants in Diwali lotus.
- Hexagonal grids are widespread in South India among the sorts of rangolis most frequently created in different areas of India, although squares are the main formats drawn in the north. A distinctive type of art is Tamil Kolam Rangoli noted for its unique patterns, floating candles and symmetry.
Dignified and simple shapes take place as you move from north to south due to the decorated Arabesque quality. Some families reverberate so deeply in the history of rangoli creation that art secrets are preserved and patterns transmitted through centuries that they become a distinctive characteristic of the family.
RANGOLI- THE CREATIVE EXPRESSION
“Rangoli” is a Sanskrit term that denotes a creative colour manifestation of art. In ancient times, the doorways of Indian homes were made with exquisite designs and patterns of Rangoli to embellish and welcome the guests. They were seen as a symbol of good luck besides the creative expression of art. Our culture says “Guest is God,” “Atithi Devo Bhava.” So what better than Rangoli can this cultural mannerism and friendliness we have by custom express? Rangoli is produced in India for several occasions, but Rangoli is the most widely used celebration of Diwali. On the favourable occasion of Diwali, people Rangoli on the gates of their homes, not only for guests but also to the deity Laxmi (the goddess of wealth and fortune).
An excellent Rangoli art requires the careful application of vivid Rangoli colours in a floor that has been well broomed and cleaned. However, rangolis are simple two-dimensional patterns, yet even the current 3-D art is amazing. A ranger is used freely for the application of brilliant coloured powders. Pinching the Thumb and Finger and letting the colour trickle free of the gap is the most frequent technique to make a Rangoli.
In ancient times, Rangoli has been one of the most important ornaments or adornments, but it has not lost its beauty even in current times. These customary enhancements continue to be utilized in India during different festivals and important events like weddings, birth celebrations, etc. Although Rangoli production is a popular art in India, it is a custom that is most prominent in Maharashtra. At the Diwali Festival, individuals create different kinds of geometric shapes between which oil lights are placed (diyas).
CONCLUSION-
Rangoli is drawn on several times not just during Diwali but also at Dussehra, Gudi Padwa, Navratri, and Holi or nearly all festivals and opportunities. It is also drawn around the sites of worship and around the areas where gods and deities idols are adorned as a sacred presence. It is also drawn when Puja is in the house or when Puja of any type is done in a specific location. It is drawn as a sacred presence each day in many families at the door entry.
In the Hindu month of Margashirsha, generally between December and January, Goddess Andal worshipped Lord Tirumala to marry and was granted her request. So the majority of the females woke up early in the morning this month to worship Lord Tirumala and draw Rangoli before their house to be nice husbands. In the famous Indian epic Ramayana, the importance of Rangoli is also emphasized. During the debate episode regarding Dess Sita’s wedding pavilion, the value of Rangoli is emphasized.
Rangoli has been created to transmit different messages. It shows the wonderful Indian culture during the festivities. The drawing of a Rangoli at the main entrance to the door has numerous mystical meanings. It is believed to encourage good luck and prosperity in the house and keep the evil spirit from going. Goddess Laxmi will be welcomed into the house. There are other messages also, such as “Welcome,” “Happy Diwali” or “God bless you.” The mantras like “Aum Name Shivaya” and “Hari Om” are also utilized.
BY- NAMRATA AHUJA
