Rangoli for Diwali

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. They are traditionally made by girls or women and in some cases the designs are passed on from generation to generation. 

Experts believe that the practice of the art form of rangoli may be older than the epics, as it finds mention in the Ramayana.

The tradition of making rangoli during Diwali still thrives today and has also become a part of the popular culture. While not everyone is adept at the art of making rangoli, aids like rangoli stencils and stickers are available in plenty.

Diyas are earthen oil lamps and are a traditional part of Diwali celebrations. The name Deepawali itself means the festival of lights.

Though traditionally rows of diyas are lit around the house to banish the darkness of evil, it is also used to embellish and add beauty to rangoli designs.

The light from a diya symbolizes not just the end of darkness and evil, but also the brightness of knowledge and defeat of ignorance.

The art form of rangoli is known as Kolam in the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Simpler forms are usually drawn on a daily basis, and the ones on festive occasions are usually more elaborate or larger. 

Drawn by hand with rice powder, the intricate designs are made of symmetric lines and curved loops drawn around a pattern of dots. 

Kolams are defined by their geometric precision and fine lines.

Aipan is the rangoli style that belongs to the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. 

Traditionally Aipan was drawn with a paste of rice powder (bisvar) on a surface prepared with wet ochre mud called geru. 

On Diwali, Laxmi Padchinha which depicts footprints of Goddess Laxmi is drawn from the main entrance of the home to the place of worship inside, as a way to welcome the goddess of wealth and ensure her blessings for the coming year. 

From the courtyards to the doorways to the place of puja inside homes, there are different Aipan designs for different occasions. 

The Laxmi Peeth is drawn where the idol of the Goddess is placed and worshipped on Diwali.

Floral rangolis are very popular during Diwali as fresh flowers have always been used as offerings to Gods during puja. 

Traditionally fresh red rose petals, marigolds and mango leaves are considered auspicious and used to make the rangoli. It also leaves a rich refreshing fragrance in the air.

Helping keep the tradition alive, even for those not adept in the art of rangoli are readymade stencils. 

Flat stencils are made on silkscreens, usually with circular frames. Fine coloured powder or rice flour paste can be sieved through to transfer the design. In some places, cylindrical pipes with holed patterns are used as roller stencils. The pipe is filled with powder and rolled to create a repeating motif.

Detailed and elaborate DIY kits are available in the market and help people bring the age old tradition to add colour to their Diwali celebrations.