Tips for Making Rangolis
Rangoli or kolam is an ancient art form that still prevails in the country, lending a touch of charm and elegance to our homes
The colorful tradition of rangolis comes alive during the festive season. On the one hand, kolams are for decorative purposes; on the other hand, they are also believed to bring good fortune. Rangolis are usually carefully and lovingly drawn by the women folk of the household.
So, this Diwali, use rangoli to brighten up your doorstep! Unleash your creativity!
How are rangoli designs made?
Usually, rangoli designs are made with dry colors. But the motifs can also be created by using a colorful palette of pastes made from rice grains, turmeric paste, vermilion powder or even chalk. White symbolizes purity while yellow (turmeric) symbolizes prosperity. Vermillion is considered an auspicious shade.
- Rangoli designs vary from straightforward geometric shapes to deities’ impressions to flower and petal shapes (the lotus is very popular).
- Conch shells, fish and birds are also popular. You could even draw trees and creepers.
- If you are using geometric figures, you could draw squares, rectangles, circles, ovals, star-shapes, swastikas and even triangles.
Material for rangolis
Traditionally, rangolis are made using rice powder which is soaked overnight. However, you don’t have to stick to tradition. You could use flowers, petals, leaves, sand, powder, pulses or chalk.
Get creative with your rangoli
- White kolams are drawn in many households every morning. But during the festive season, you want your rangoli to be bright and vibrant.
- You could get gulal (colored powder), which is easily available in the market. Choose the colors you want and mix it with white powder for a multi-colored kolam.
- Flowers, petals and leaves can add so much color to your rangoli. The brighter the better! The most traditional flowers are marigolds and roses. Add jasmines for a wonderful fragrance.
- You could form a beautiful border with colored, embellished diyas. Or light diyas in the center of your rangoli.
- Buy gold and silver glitter and sprinkle it on the border or even the center of your rangoli for a glam look.
- You could use colored stones and pebbles to make your rangoli unique.
Rangoli tips for the novice
- Always clean the area thoroughly – sweep and wipe with a wet cloth – as dirt and dust will hinder your effort.
- If you are new to the art form, stick with simple geometric designs. You can color the designs to make them look more attractive.
- To make the coloring process easier, get mehendi cones. Fill them with the colors you’ve chosen and pipe them out onto the design.
- These days, you can get stencil molds for designs like diyas, flowers, swastikas etc. So pick up a few stencils and you can have a different rangoli every day!
- Draw the rangoli in a spot where you do not expect visitors to walk. You don’t want people trampling over and destroying your rangoli.
Ideally use dry powder as wet powder can leave stains.
