As one festival bids farewell, a line of other fun-filled festivals stare back at us. The lively scenes of celebration that dawn in the rich country of India paint a vibrant picture of centuries-old tradition and culture. The word rangoli comes from two sanskrit words combined, "rang,” meaning color, and "aavali,” meaning rows; through the years the word has evolved through the tongue of the common folks, giving us the word “rangoli.” An unsaid tradition that has creeped into every Indian household is the tradition of drawing vibrant, pattern-filled images in front of the doorstep. Be it any festival, a rangoli is always seen adorning the front porch of a house.
Flower rangoli is an intricate form of art made from fresh flower petals, adorning the doorstep of every Indian household during festivities. The art of rangoli includes creating color-filled images of flowers, gods, auspicious symbols, and animals marking celebration.
The cultural significance of a rangoli is immense; the idea of making a flower rangoli design in front of the house is indicative of welcoming guests and deities alike. A rangoli signifies hospitality and the desire to bring positivity and auspiciousness into the home. Rangoli designs frequently employ patterns and colors that have symbolic connotations. Bright, vibrant colors like red, yellow, and orange are used to mark the beginning of joyous celebration and positivity. Specific symbols and shapes are used in accordance with the festival, which signify deeper spiritual meanings. Shapes such as a circle, which symbolizes continuity of good fortune, are often used primarily in all rangoli designs.
The use of flowers in rangoli ropes in the beauty of nature in households. At the core of this cherished art form, flowers not only add splendor but also represent joy, purity, and abundance. Different flowers have different symbolic meanings associated with the festivals. Certain flowers, like marigolds, have profound religious significance and lend a modest devotion to the festivities and the deities. The use of real flowers in rangoli designs brings a vibrant palette of natural hues that instantly brighten up any household, at the same time diffusing their wonderful fragrance. A home that exudes color and the wonderful scent of flowers symbolizes positivity and uses feng shui.
India has an abundance of lush vegetation and one of the world's most remarkable natural flowers. Consequently, fresh flower rangoli designs have incorporated themselves in the culture and tradition of Indian society. Different flowers have distinct symbolic meanings that signify spiritual devotion.
The auspicious marigold is one of the most commonly used flowers in rangoli; it stands for sunshine, prosperity, and optimism. It is frequently connected to the cycles of life, the comfort of family, and customs.
Lotus stands for holiness, enlightenment, and divine beauty. The lotus flower is a sacred symbol in Hinduism and Buddhism, frequently seen in religious and cultural motifs.
Roses, which are often used in both religious offerings and rangolis, add a touch of elegance and are associated with love, beauty, and grace.
Jasmine represents innocence, harmony, and heavenly love. When used in a rangoli, it brings a sense of tranquility.
Using freshly picked flowers to create a rangoli is a gesture of respect for the abundance of the planet and a reminder of the balance that exists between nature and humankind. Below are a few simple flower rangoli designs to help you next festive season:
One of the most common and simple flower rangoli designs is crafting intricate circles with various flowers encircling each other. Fear not if art is not your forte because making rangolis has never been easier. Place the flower petals in the shape of a circle and fill them in with more colorful flowers, and you are done!
Peacock is the national bird of India for a reason; the majestic creature with its visage of vibrant colored feathers grabs the attention of everyone. Moreover, the gorgeous bird is a common element in rangoli designs and is surprisingly simple to draw. The trick to mimic the lively plumage of the bird is to use tons of colorful flowers and place them roughly in the shape of a peacock, and your flower rangoli design will have the attention of every neighbor!
Last but not least, there are a gazillion ways to use fresh flowers to create elaborate designs. The scent of fresh flowers is unmatched, and their simple presence can cheer up any space in your home.
Making floral rangolis is frequently a group activity, particularly during festivals when families and communities join forces to plan and arrange the flowers. Such activities foster harmony and balance in society. Here are a few flower rangoli designs for the upcoming festival of lights: Diwali!
The traditional oil lamps and the beauty of flowers are combined in this traditional diya flower rangoli. The pair creates a welcoming atmosphere during the festival of Diwali while marking the victory of good over evil.
The Om symbol signifies calmness and enlightenment. The auspicious symbol can be used to adorn your house this Diwali to bring in abundance and positive energy.
Diwali marks the victory of Ram over Ravan through his love for his wife Sita. Every scene depicted in the highly regarded epic that features flowers is guaranteed to leave everyone in complete awe. Fresh flowers can be used to create vibrant drawings of deities, which can then be adorned with diyas to represent light and warmth.
A flower rangoli usually lasts one or two days, depending on the weather and how fresh the petals are. This is because flowers are perishable.
Yes, creating a rangoli is often considered a spiritual activity. In Hindu culture, it is customary to clean the area where the rangoli will be made to ensure that it is pure.
The main difference is the materials used. A regular rangoli is made with colored powders, rice, sand, or other dry materials, while a flower rangoli uses fresh flower petals.
The design can depend on the occasion or personal preferences. For religious festivals, traditional motifs like lotuses, diyas (lamps), and geometric patterns are common.
Once the flowers start wilting, they can be composted or used as natural fertilizer for gardens.