Rangoli hues brighten Diwali

ALLAHABAD: Drawing colourful rangoli has always been the tradition and attraction of Diwali for the people. Rangolis of different shapes and sizes are drawn at the doorsteps to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.
Religious scholar Ram Naresh Tripathi said that drawing colourful rangoli is a traditional art form.
It is created using coloured rice, dry flour, coloured sand or flower petals. It is believed that rangoli absorbs evil and prevents negativity from entering the house.
Latest rangoli designs are available on internet. Women make rangoli to bring prosperity and welcome deities with sacred symbols.
Whether a basic design or an artistic feat, Rangoli has always been place of pride and joy in the celebrations. The tradition has seen several variations and innovations with changing times.
Rangoli at doorstep gives a warm welcome to everyone. "These are created with attractive rangoli patterns," a housewife Aditi said, adding that one need not be a professional or an artist to shape a good rangoli.
Anjali, a teacher says that these days, women attend rangoli classes to make attractive patterns. They experiment on a variety of art forms like Tanjore paintings, pot painting, murals and ceramic, she added.
The traditional rangoli themes like Om, kalash, swastika, chakra, a lighted deepak, trident, shree, lotus etc are meant to invite the God and Goddess into houses on the festive occasion.
Symbols are also drawn in a rangoli.