As much as a rangoli is known for its creativity and art, it is an ancient Indian culture which was started as a way of hospitality towards guests.

Over the years the hospitality part gave way to celebration and artistic creativity.

Although even to this day in many parts of India, like the interiors of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu a fresh rangoli is drawn on the porch every single day as a mark of hospitability to the day that lies ahead and to give an auspicious start.

We look into some of the existing traditional and modern designs of rangoli that may just be the answer you are looking for this festival season.

A Colourful Tradition

These traditional rangolis are most often found in the northern and central states of India. They are usually a symmetrical design or picture of gods and goddesses made of coloured sand or rice powder. It is also drawn with coloured chalks.

Most shops that sell festival related items will have a stock of rangoli powders. You can also make them at home. That is colour the rice powder with food colouring to get the desired result.

If you find it difficult to get the design right, there are also special moulds available for it. All you need to do is to place it in the desired location and sieve the colours through the mould.