rangoli

Rangoli is a traditional Indian decorative art form in which patterns are drawn on floors using colored powders, rice, flower petals, and other materials. It is commonly created during festivals and auspicious occasions to welcome guests and invite prosperity.

The term Rangoli derives from Sanskrit words meaning color and row or line. In Tamil Nadu, the practice is known as kolam, while in other regions it is referred to as rangoli. Although the designs vary by region, they share a focus on symmetry, balance, and bright contrasts.

Patterns range from simple geometric grids to elaborate floral and figurative motifs. Rangoli is typically drawn at entrances or in courtyards and is associated with auspiciousness, hospitality, and the welcoming of deities such as Lakshmi during celebrations like Diwali and Pongal. Some designs are circular or square, others follow a dot-to-dot method or are freehand drawings.

Materials commonly used include colored rice flour, colored powders, chalk powder, turmeric, sandalwood paste, and flower petals. Natural pigments and eco-friendly materials are preferred in many communities. Techniques vary from white-line kolams that are later filled with color to fully colored designs created in one step, and may incorporate stencils or templates in contemporary practice.

Regional variations exist across India: kolam in Tamil Nadu, muggu in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and rangoli in many other states. While traditionally associated with women, participation has broadened to include men and professionals, and modern rangoli often employs stencils, pre-made designs, and digital inspirations alongside traditional hand-drawn forms.