Rangoli, an art form originating from the Indian subcontinent, involves crafting intricate patterns using materials like powdered lime, rice flour, sand, and flower petals on floors or tabletops. While commonplace in Hindu homes, its creation is primarily reserved for festivals due to its time-intensive nature. Celebrated during Diwali, Tihar, Onam, and Pongal, these designs are deeply rooted in Indian Hindu festivals, especially prevalent during Diwali. Passed down through generations, Rangoli designs preserve this tradition, ensuring the art form's continuity and the cultural heritage of the practice.
As the Indian diaspora across the world gears up to celebrate Diwali, acclaimed rangoli artist, Rahul Swami shares some basic tips on how to make a neat and beautiful rangoli for beginners.
Basic tips:
- Before you actually start filling in and outlining your patterns with the colours, draw an outline with chalk.
- Use the alternate colour concept so as to attract attention towards your work. The concepts of contrasting or shading can be applied to achieve this.
- Always fill in the colours before you outline your rangoli. That is how your rangoli will look neat.
- Use a tea strainer instead of pinching colours between your fingers for even filling in of colours.
- Cut your own DIY stencil using a newspaper in case you’re unable to draw even shapes.
- Always add a frame to your rangoli. It isn’t compulsory to fill in the frame. Only an outline works as well and makes your work look more put together.
- When filling in the background, always use darker colours as they help other colours stand out.
When using additional mediums like flowers and diyas:
- Never place the flowers randomly, always make a shape.
- Layer your rangoli by repeating a shape. If you have a circle filled with colour, you can make the inner and outer circles surrounding it, with flowers.
- If you are using multiple diyas, place them on the outline of the rangoli, similar to its shape. Within a rangoli, always place a single diya in the centre.
Avoid common mistakes:
- Never start with borders. Fill in the colour first and then move on to the border. That way you can be a little shabby with the colour-filling and the border will be your saving grace.
- Always give time to the border and don’t hurry. Tracing perfect shapes is what adds that pop to your rangoli.
- Always clean the area around your rangoli and your art looks neater.
About Rahul Swami
Rahul Swami, based in Ahmedabad, is a celebrated Rangoli artist with an illustrious career spanning over two decades. His exceptional talent has led to multiple record-breaking achievements. In 2013, his remarkable skills earned him a place in the Limca Book of Records. Notably, former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani honoured him as the best Rangoli artist in 2017.
Swami's artistic expertise extends globally and he has collaborated with the Jain Centre, London, for the Pratishtha Mohotsav as well, leaving a profound impact with his work. He has also been recognised by the World Book of Records, London, in 2019.
