Diwali is all about lights, sweets, diyas and beautiful decorations. But one thing you would find outside many Indian homes during the festival is a colourful rangoli. Made with flowers, colours or sometimes natural products from the kitchen, rangolis are more than just a decoration. Have you ever wondered why we make rangolis during Diwali? Here’s the interesting story behind it.
Why Do We Make Rangoli On Diwali?
A rangoli is a bright, hand-drawn pattern made at the entrance of a home during Diwali. Traditionally, people used natural products like rice flour, wheat flour and flower petals such as marigolds, roses and more. But today, special rangoli colours are available in the market. Not just that, there are even stencils and ready-to-use stickers for people who are not good at drawing.
Rangoli forms an integral part of Diwali celebrations in India, but did you know why it is made? It is not only pretty to look at but also considered auspicious. Rangolis are believed to bring good luck and happiness to the home. The main reason people make them during the Festival of Lights is to welcome Lakshmi Maa, the goddess of wealth and prosperity.
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Two Interesting Legends Behind The Tradition
There are also two interesting backstories related to rangoli. According to The Art of Living, one legend is about Lopamudra, the wife of the great sage Rishi Agastya, who lived a quiet and simple life away from other people. One day, she wanted to help her husband worship the gods and decided to decorate the place of worship.
For this, she prayed to the Panchtatva, the five natural elements of the universe, for colours for her design. Nature answered her prayers, and she was given blue from the sky, green from water, black from the soil, red from fire and, lastly, white from the wind. She mixed these natural colours with ground rice, lentils, flowers and spices to make designs on the floor.
Now, let’s talk about one more interesting legend. Once, a kingdom mourning the death of a boy prayed to Lord Brahma to revive him. Touched by their devotion, Lord Brahma appeared and asked the people to create a portrait of the boy on the floor. Miraculously, the boy came back to life. According to the oldest Indian book of painting, Chitralakshana, this was the first-ever rangoli made.
Over the years, this tradition has become quite important. A decorated pattern at the entrance shows that the home is welcoming, clean and open. And yes, looking at the beautiful colours on the floor also brings peace and positive energy to the family.
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Today, rangolis are made not just on Diwali but also on other festivals such as Onam, Ugadi, Makar Sankranti and even during family celebrations.
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/AKKI
FAQs
What is a rangoli?
A rangoli is a colourful pattern made on the floor, usually at the entrance of a home during festivals.
What natural items can be used to make a rangoli?
Rice flour, wheat flour, flower petals, lentils and spices can be used to make rangolis.
Where should you draw a rangoli?
Rangolis are traditionally made at the entrance of a home, near the main door.
