Diwali: Light, Art, Culture

From legends to traditions, explore the cultural roots of the Festival of Lights

In partnership with...

National Museum - New DelhiIndian Museum, KolkataChhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS)Salar Jung MuseumCrafts MuseumMuseum of Art & PhotographyAmerican Institute of Indian Studies
and 14 more collections
Whose return home is Diwali a celebration of?
Rama
In what Hindu calendar month is Diwali celebrated?
Kartika

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

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Which retro designs do you recognise?

Piece together Diwali treasures

Diwali Themed Puzzles

Piece together Diwali puzzles with family and friends

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'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).

The Transcendent Deity

A depiction of Kali in Madhubani Painting

More paintings of the goddess Kali

Create your own art

Diwali Coloring Book

Color your favorite Diwali artwork

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The art of Diwali masks

Artisans in action

What is this popular Diwali dessert called?
Gulgule

Table settings to make your mouth water

Learn more about Diwali

A downloadable lesson plan that can be used by teachers in class or students at their own pace

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