In this activity, you and your child can create a vibrant Rangoli Design using just a few common supplies in your home.

The History of Rangoli Designs:

Rangoli is one of the most popular art forms in India. It is a form of decoration that uses finely ground white and colored powders, sands and paste. Rangoli can be wall art as well as floor art.

The designs are symbolic and common to the entire country of India. They include geometric patterns, using lines, dots, squares, circles and triangles, as well as images from nature. The average size of these designs are two feet by two feet, but designs vary by location and medium used. A thin white line often outlines the colorful shapes.

These images are very temporary, and are just supposed to be seen during times of celebration.

Traditionally, Rangoli floor decorations were created only for very special occasions or festivals. But today, they are used in weddings, birthday parties and other events.

Rangoli also has a religious significance. It enhances the beauty of its surroundings, spreading joy and happiness to all who see these works of art. During the Hindu celebration of Diwali, families create Rangoli designs at their doorsteps, to welcome everyone, including the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, who is said to bring good luck.

Make Your Own Rangoli Design:

You can make this project in: 1/2 hour

There are two variations for this project, so choose whatever medium works best for you.

What you will need:

Variation 1: Chalk on Sandpaper

• Sheet of sandpaper
• Chalk
• Ruler

Variation 2: Glue and colored sand

• Cardstock or cereal box
• White glue
• Colored sand

How To:

Variation 1: Chalk on Sandpaper

Step 1: Start by creating a dot grid using a ruler, making the dots as close or as far apart as you choose. The closer the dots are, the more complex your design will be.

Step 2: Draw your design in chalk.

Step 3: Use colored chalk to color in your design.

Step 4: Now, display your Rangoli where everyone can see!

Variation 2: Glue and Colored Sand

Step 1: Start by creating a dot grid using a ruler, making the dots as close or as far apart as you choose. The closer the dots are, the more complex your design will be.

Step 2: Draw your design in pencil.

Step 3: Fill in small areas of your design with the white glue, and sprinkle sand over the top. Shake off excess sand into a small container, and repeat, completing small areas at a time, so that the colors do not mix.

Step 4: Now, display your Rangoli where everyone can see!

Think about this:

1. Why did you create the design that you did?
2. What do your symbols mean?
3. Can you think of a celebration that you would make a Rangoli design for?
4. What celebrations do you decorate your house for?

To print this activity, please download and save the following PDF to your desktop: Rangoli - Creativity Corner.pdf

See more Creativity Corner articles here.

The Ann Arbor Art Center is a non-profit organization dedicated to engaging the community in the education, exhibition and exploration of the visual arts. Offering studio art classes, workshops, exhibitions, summer camps and more, the Art Center is celebrating over 100 years of being the place where creativity and community meet. For more information please visit www.annarborartcenter.org or stop by the Art Center located at 117 W. Liberty in downtown Ann Arbor.