NEW RANGOLI

This morning, I created a new Rangoli or Kolam to replace the one that was damaged in the library last Friday. I started off with the coloured rice from the first Rangoli and then got the idea to use flowers, leaves, seeds and other materials from nature for this new one. As usual, I got my library assistant and a few of the students to help make the Rangoli.

What do you think? Is the new one more impressive? Or do you feel that the more intricate one using coloured rice is more aesthetically pleasing?

FACTS ABOUT THE RANGOLI

1. Rangoli is a Sanskrit word which means a creative expression of art through the use of color.


2. The word rangoli may also have come from "rang" (color) + "aavalli" (row), which means row of colors, or from rang+avalli, which means creepers of colors.


3. Basically, Rangoli is the art of drawing images and motifs on the floor and walls of one's home using different color powders.


4. Basically a floor painting, a rangoli image stands for a sign of welcome.


5. The main purpose of making rangolis in diwali is to welcome Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth, to individual homes apart from warding off the evil eye.


6. A variety of ingredients are used to create a Rangoli. In old days, the colors were traditionally derived from natural dyes - from barks of trees, leaves, indigo, etc. Today however, synthetic dyes are used in a range of bright hue.


7. In south Indian states like Kerala, flowers like marigolds and chrysanthemums and leaves are used to create Rangoli.

Source: http://www.theholidayspot.com/diwali/rangoli.htm