Here
are some amazing designs for your Diwali celebrations. Also know about the
significance of Rangoli and what each colour connotes to.
Diwali,
the festival of lights, is more than diyas, candles, fairy lights and crackers.
It is a festival of colours in its own way, be it painting our homes right
before the festive season or the colourful new clothes or artistic rangoli, the
celebratory hues are in all bright colours.
Rangoli
a traditional Indian art form is practised in various variants across India.
The creative, articulate hand-painted designs have a different name and form in
various parts of the country. Alpana in Bengal and Assam, Kolam in Tamil Nadu,
Muggulu in Andhra Pradhesh, Chaookpurna in Chhattisgarh among many other are
all same derivatives of Rangoli. Even the flower alternative in Kerala,
Pookalam, made during Onam is yet another example. With different names, they
all denote the same thing — good luck and prosperity.
The
word ‘Rangoli’ derives from a Sankrit word ‘rangavalli’, which is a combination
of two words – rang and aavalli. Rang meaning colour and aavalli implying rows
or lines; thus the colourful patterns of the art form. Interestingly, a Rangoli
design is always made in geometric shapes and is symmetrical in design. As
numbers are essential in Hindu mythology, Rangolis too abide by it, along with
holy symbols.
In
Diwali, when it is believed that praying to goddess Lakshmi brings prosperity
to the homes, the intricate pattern mostly painted at the doorways or courtyard
is done to welcome the goddess. The colourful patterns are not just for
decorative purposes; they exemplify a deep religious spirit too. Mostly
practised by women of the house, these deigns are part of the sacred rituals.
Traditionally,
Rangoli patterns are made with rice flour and crushed lime stones. With time
synthetic colours and chalk powder have also added to the list of materials
needed for the design. The temporary designs made just before the puja on
Diwali are often decorated additionally with diyas and flowers.
The
geometric patterns include floral motifs, lines and forms of many other animals
and symbols closer to religious significance. Lotus being the most adorned
pattern during the festival as it is believed goddess Lakshmi sits on the
flower and also it also symbolic of the beginning of life.
The
bright colours traditionally used in the Rangoli all have a special
significance. The white made with rice flour signifies purity, coolness and
safety. The red mostly obtained using vermillion or sindur, signifies strength
and energy, turmeric power was used for yellow that connotes to richness and
healing, green – which is usually obtained by crushing grains – signifies harmony.
While blue and orange means happiness and sacrifice respectively. Made with
materials part of every household be it rich or poor, these have greater
connotations than just to beautify our homes. Read more
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