Rangoli is an ancient Indian art. It is a cherished cultural heritage of India which is practiced in every state of the country with its regional flavors. On festivals and auspicious occasions, Rangoli is drawn with traditional symbols, artistic shapes and vibrant colors that brighten the jubilant mood. It is an art of decorating courtyards , streets, squares and prayer halls for religious festivals, functions to welcome the guest. Rangoli is a pattern, which is based on geometrical shapes and designs. It is a form of sand painting decoration that uses finely ground white powder and colors. Rangoli plays an inevitable part of the decoration. It is one of the most popular art forms in India.
History
The term Rangoli or Rangavali is derived from words rang (color) and aavali (row of colors)! Earlier, drawing Rangoli was mainly confined to women and girls of the house. Nowadays even men are taking keen interest in drawing Rangoli.
Origin
The origin of rangoli painting is traced to a legend recorded in the Chitralakshana, the ancient Indian piece of writing on painting. When the son of a King's high priest died, Brahma, Lord of the universe, asked the king to paint the likeness of the boy so that Brahma could breathe life into him again. This is how, it is believed, the first painting was made.Another popular story is that God, in one of his creative episodes, extracted the juice from one of the mango trees as paint, and drew the figure of a woman so beautiful that it put the heavenly maidens to shame.
Description
The motifs in Rangoli are usually taken from Nature - peacocks, swans, mango, flowers, creepers, etc. The colors traditionally were derived from natural dyes - from barks of trees, leaves, indigo, etc. However, today, synthetic dyes are used in a range of bright colors. The materials used for Rangoli take on either a flat appearance, when colored powder such as rice, chili, turmeric, etc. are used, or a 3-D effect when cereals, pulses either in their natural coloring or tinted with natural dyes are used. Some artists use the 3-D effect for borders alone while others create beautiful designs using grains and beads entirely.The designs are symbolic and common to the entire country, and can include geometrical patterns, with lines, dots, squares, circles, triangles; the swastika, lotus, trident, fish, conch shell, footprints (supposed to be of goddess Lakshmi), creepers, leaves, trees, flowers, animals and anthropomorphic figures. These motifs often are modified to fit in with the local images and rhythms. One important point is that the entire pattern must be an unbroken line, with no gaps to be left anywhere for evil spirits to enter. Originally Rangoli was done in small patterns — 2 feet square — but now entire floor areas of rooms and hotel foyers are covered in intricate detailed designs. Traditionally, such floor decorations were done only on auspicious occasions or festivals. But today, any occasion is good enough — weddings, birthday parties, opening ceremonies, etc. In Indian cultures, all guests and visitors occupy a very special place, and a rangoli is an expression of this warm hospitality. In particular, the Diwali festival is widely celebrated with rangoli, since at this time; people visit each other's homes to exchange greetings and sweets. Rangoli also has a religious significance, enhancing the beauty of the surroundings and spreading joy and happiness all around.
History
The term Rangoli or Rangavali is derived from words rang (color) and aavali (row of colors)! Earlier, drawing Rangoli was mainly confined to women and girls of the house. Nowadays even men are taking keen interest in drawing Rangoli.
Origin
The origin of rangoli painting is traced to a legend recorded in the Chitralakshana, the ancient Indian piece of writing on painting. When the son of a King's high priest died, Brahma, Lord of the universe, asked the king to paint the likeness of the boy so that Brahma could breathe life into him again. This is how, it is believed, the first painting was made.Another popular story is that God, in one of his creative episodes, extracted the juice from one of the mango trees as paint, and drew the figure of a woman so beautiful that it put the heavenly maidens to shame.
Description
The motifs in Rangoli are usually taken from Nature - peacocks, swans, mango, flowers, creepers, etc. The colors traditionally were derived from natural dyes - from barks of trees, leaves, indigo, etc. However, today, synthetic dyes are used in a range of bright colors. The materials used for Rangoli take on either a flat appearance, when colored powder such as rice, chili, turmeric, etc. are used, or a 3-D effect when cereals, pulses either in their natural coloring or tinted with natural dyes are used. Some artists use the 3-D effect for borders alone while others create beautiful designs using grains and beads entirely.The designs are symbolic and common to the entire country, and can include geometrical patterns, with lines, dots, squares, circles, triangles; the swastika, lotus, trident, fish, conch shell, footprints (supposed to be of goddess Lakshmi), creepers, leaves, trees, flowers, animals and anthropomorphic figures. These motifs often are modified to fit in with the local images and rhythms. One important point is that the entire pattern must be an unbroken line, with no gaps to be left anywhere for evil spirits to enter. Originally Rangoli was done in small patterns — 2 feet square — but now entire floor areas of rooms and hotel foyers are covered in intricate detailed designs. Traditionally, such floor decorations were done only on auspicious occasions or festivals. But today, any occasion is good enough — weddings, birthday parties, opening ceremonies, etc. In Indian cultures, all guests and visitors occupy a very special place, and a rangoli is an expression of this warm hospitality. In particular, the Diwali festival is widely celebrated with rangoli, since at this time; people visit each other's homes to exchange greetings and sweets. Rangoli also has a religious significance, enhancing the beauty of the surroundings and spreading joy and happiness all around.
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