Rangoli is a colourful and intricate design that is created, usually at the entrance of homes, during the Diwali festival. These designs often depict symbols or scenes that are related to the Hindu religion. It is said to welcome not only guests but also Gods and Goddesses into the home and by doing so it brings joy.
Some special patterns for Diwali Rangoli are the Diya also called Deep, Ganesha, Lakshmi, flowers, or birds of India. The patterns include the face of Hindu deities, geometric shapes peacock motifs, and round floral designs.
Meaning Of The Word:
Rangoli, according to the Oxford English Dictionary means traditional Indian decoration and patterns made with ground rice, particularly during festivals such as Diwali (the festival of lights).
Origins Of Rangoli
It is said that rangoli started during the early caveman era when man believed that there were five essential elements that made up the universe; these elements are Fire, Water, Air, Soil, and Space. In order to protect themselves from evil spirits that may attempt to harm them ancient man would draw intricate designs into the soil or walls as a form of protection.
The story of Sita being kidnapped by Ravan is well-known to most of us. Before leaving her Sister-in-Law unprotected and alone in the hut in the forest, Lakshmana draws a circle of power around the hut and asks Sita not to cross it and come outside. But Sita Mata unintentionally crosses it and the rest is history. According to folk tales, this circle that Lakshman draws is a form of Rangoli with divine powers.
The origins of rangoli came from the sub-continent of India. They can be created on the floor or on tabletops.
In Hindu culture and in many Hindu households rangoli was made outside by the main entrance of the home usually after the area had been thoroughly cleaned. This was done every morning. The positions required to create a rangoli are traditionally a form of spinal-straightening exercise for ladies. The rangoli is made to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of riches and luck, and it symbolizes the joy, optimism, and vibrancy of a home.
Photo Sources: https://www.flickr.com/photos/wonderlane/6900048088 (tabletop) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nite_Diwali_rangoli_in_goa.JPG (floor)
Fun Fact: Besides the commonly known grounded rice which was coloured to make rangoli, there was also the traditional use of limestone which would keep away insects from entering the home.
Rangoli Colours and their meaning:
Blue – represents the sky
Green – represents the sea
Black – Is strength and stability
Red – represents danger
White – represents peace and positivity
Photo Of Clay Diya. Photo Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8b/Diya%2C_an_oil_lamp.jpg/1280px-Diya%2C_an_oil_lamp.jpg
All the colours when incorporated are good for bringing these simple geometric creations to life, they are able to tell a story. Popular designs for the rangoli include the lotus flower, Laksmi (the goddess of wealth and prosperity), and diyas which are displayed beautifully around or inside the rangoli design. The tradition is passed down through generations and the skill is learned to carry on this tradition during the festivities. The main element of the rangoli is to be colourful and eye-catching, it is meant to evoke a feeling of happiness for both those who are making it and those who view it with admiration. It can bring groups of people together while also allowing them to bring out their creative side and tap into their imagination.
To read more on Diyas click here: https://www.thingsguyana.com/diyas-traditional-oil-lamps-banishing-darkness-lighting-the-way-to-enlightenment-in-hinduism/
Rangoli In Guyana
The materials necessary to create these beautifully complex designs are quite readily available and as such can be created by any person no matter social class. In Guyana the main material is rice which is coloured and left out in the sun to dry, allowing the dye to soak in. Rangoli is made anywhere in the yard, schools, and even within the confines of some businesses. There are also competitions that are held among high schools, this allows the kids to part-take in a wonderful social activity that can bring them closer and also challenge them creatively.
References:
- https://www.readingmuseum.org.uk/sites/default/files/downloads/History%20of%20Rangoli%20-%20Teacher%20Resource.pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rangoli
- https://avanigo.com/what-is-rangoli-history-purpose-importance-scientific-reason-of-rangoli/
All Photos from Main Street are credited to Nirmal Kawall
