Rangoli is an ancient Hindu art form from India. Derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Rangavalli’, it means rows of colours, and is drawn in the homes, courtyards, and sometime even on walls, to celebrate auspicious occasions.
Usually made during festivals like Diwali and other Hindu festivals, and to mark milestone celebrations, they are believed to invite home the blessings of the Gods. Rangoli can be made using diyas or materials like rice powder, brick powder, chalk powder, flower petals, and coloured sand.
Within India, not only do rangoli designs vary from region to region, they are also called by different names. The designs go from the rustic and simple to the highly evolved and geometrically precise to the flamboyant and extravagant.
Rangoli for Diwali
Zoom into these diyas in the style of the ancient Hindu art form
Learn more about Rangoli'Kali' is derived from the word 'Kala' which means both darkness and time. It is believed that Kali represents the force of time, carrying both destruction and creation of life and the universe. Thus, this Goddess is unique in the way she is formless and absolute, and at the same time capricious in her ever changing forms.
In all forms of representation, Goddess Kali is usually depicted as naked, in blue or black skin colour signifying the sky and the ocean, and seen with her tongue hanging out.
Nature is an important element of Madhubani paintings, and that is seen in this painting of Kali as well. She is represented as loving, caring and benevolent and hence referred to as Kali Ma (mother).
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