1.Rangoli- an introduction.
Rangoli, also known as koalam or muggu is a folk art from India. It is positively drawn during Diwali, Onam, Pongal and other Indian festivals. Typically consisting of bright colours, rangoli is a decorative design made in living rooms and courtyard floors during Hindu festivals . They are meant to be sacred welcoming areas for the Hindu deities.
The ancient symbols have been passed down through the ages, from each generation to the next, keeping both the art form and the tradition alive. The patterns are typically created with materials including coloured rice, dry flour, and (coloured) sand or even flower petals. Similar practices are followed in different Indian states:
For the art Koalam is told in Tamil Nadu; Mandana is told in Rajasthan; Chowkpurna is told in Northern India; Alpana is told in West Bengal; Aripana is told in Bihar; Chowk pujan is told in Uttar Pradesh; rangavallie in Karnataka and Muggu in Andhra Pradesh .
The purpose of rangoli is decoration, and it is thought to bring good luck. Design depictions may also vary as they reflect traditions, folklore and practices that are unique to each area. It is traditionally done by women. Generally, this practice is showcased during occasions such as festivals, auspicious observances, marriage celebrations and other similar milestones and gatherings.
Rangoli designs can be simple geometric shapes, deity impressions, or flower and petal shapes (appropriate for the given celebrations) , but they can also be very elaborate designs crafted by numerous people. The base material is usually dry or wet granulated rice or dry flour, to which sindoor (vermilion), haldi (turmeric) and other natural colours can be added. Chemical colours are a modern variation. Other materials include coloured sand and even flowers and petals, as in the case of flower rangolis. Rangoli is either left as an unfilled line drawing or it is filled with various coloured powders.
2. Rangoli variations in provinces
Not just in names, the designs also vary as per the region. In Maharashtra, rangoli are drawn on the doors of homes so that evil forces attempting to enter are repelled.
During the festival of Onam in Kerala, flowers are laid down for each of the ten days of the celebration, the design growing larger and more complex every day. In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, the koalam is drawn upon the ground or floor daily. The designs are geometric and symmetrical shapes but the materials used are similar rangoli: rice flour or slurry is used. In Rajasthan the mandana are painted on walls
3 Key elements of Rangoli
Rangoli India belong to any province, the folk art, so its elements are taken from the public is common. Rangoli' s most important element is Utswdhermita. For this, auspicious symbols are selected. Thus the symbol for generations as they are made - and is required to make these symbols. Traditionally, each new generation learns the art and thus a family keeps the tradition intact. Some major symbols used in Rangoli are the lotus flower, its leaves, mango, Tue vase, fish, different kind of birds like parrots, swans, peacocks, and human figures and foliage. Oftentimes Rangoli are made on special occasions like Diwali. Some special patterns for Diwali Rangoli are the Deep, Ganesha or Lakshmi.
The second key element is materials using in drawing rangoli. The same material is used which is easily found everywhere. Therefore this art is prevalent in all homes. Normally the major ingredients used to make rangoli – Raw rice solution, dried powder made from the leaves colour, charcoal, burned soil was, wood sawdust, etc..
The third important element is background. Rangoli background should be clear floor or wall . With time, imagination and innovative ideas in Rangoli art are also incorporated.
4 Creation of Rangoli
Rangoli is made in two ways. Dry and wet. The rangoli made by adding points put is a skill.
5.Faith and beliefs
In Tamil Nadu there is a prevalent legend that Andaal worshipped Lord Thirumal by drawing Koalam in the early morning and was married to him in the month of Markazhi. So during this month, unmarried girls get up before dawn and draw a Rangoli to welcome the god Thirumal.
Mentions of rangoli creation are found in Hindu epic. Ramayana at Sita's wedding pavilion where the discussion refers to rangoli there. (New information to me)
6.Cultural development
Cultural development of Rangoli in the South originated in the era of the Chola rulers. Behind the use of rice flour to feed the perception that the ant may feed it later. Rangoli is not removed during the sweep and cleaning.
7. Padayanai and Koalam
Padayani is one of the most colourful and spectacular folk arts associated with the festivals of certain temples in Southern Kerala (Alappuzha, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam). The word Padayani literally means military formations or rows of army, but in this folk art, a series of divine and semi-divine impersonations wearing HUGE MASKS OR KOLAMS of different shapes, colours and designs painted on the stalks of arecanut fronds. The most important of the Kolaams usually presented in a padayani performance are Bhairavi (Kali), Kalan (God of Death), Yakshi (Fairy), Pakshi (Bird), Kuthira (Horse), Marutha (Mother Goddess), etc. The Koalam consists primarily of a huge head gear with many projections and devices with a mask for the face or a chest piece for cover the breast and abdomen of the performer.
8. Koalam Thullal
Koalam Thullal is a ritual dance form prevalent in south Kerala, southern India. It is customary in houses and temples of Bhagavathy, a female deity. It is performed at temple festivals and to drive away evil spirits from the "possessed&quo t; bodies. Its origins lie with the Tinta group of the Kaniyar caste.
9 Research
The mathematical properties of Koalam are being used in the computer science field. Koalam patterns are studied and algorithms are developed for regenerating koalam designs with different patterns has been done.
Algorithms for drawing koalams are used in development of Picture drawing Computer software. Koalams are used for research in the Computational Anthropology.
As Koalams have a strong relationship with contemporary art and art history, they are used in the artwork and media field
10 A few more information or expansions
Koalam is also drawn in some parts of Goa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and a few other Asian countries. Koalams are thought to bring prosperity to homes. Every morning in Tamil Nadu, women draw koalams on the ground with white rice powder. Through the day, the drawings get walked on, rained out, or blown around in the wind; new ones are made the next day.
Every morning before sunrise, the floor of the owners house, or where ever the Koalam may be, is cleaned with water and the muddy floor swept well to create an even surface. The koalams are generally drawn while the surface is still damp so the design will hold better. Powdered white stone (வெங்கசங்கள் பொடி / மொக்குமாவு) can be used for creating Koalam.
Occasionally, Cow Dung is also used to wax the floors. In some cultures, cow dung is believed to have antiseptic properties and hence provides a literal threshold of protection for the home. It also provides contrast with the white powder.
10a. Ants and birds
Decoration is not the sole purpose of a Koalam. In olden days, koalams were drawn in coarse rice flour, so the ants would not have to move too far or too long for a meal. The rice powder also invited birds and other small creatures to eat it, thus welcoming other beings into one's home and everyday life: a daily tribute to harmonious co-existence. It is a sign of invitation to welcome all into the home, not the least of whom is Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity and wealth.
My note- I have seen small sparrows, birds eating things from the floor , they will not eat larger pieces. If rice powder, powdered biscuit is sprinkled they will eat from the sprinkling. Ants get attracted to rice powder and dried batter.
10b. Importance of completing patterns
The patterns range between geometric and mathematical line drawings around a matrix of dots to free form art work and closed shapes. Folklore has evolved to mandate that the lines must be completed so as to symbolically PREVENT EVIL SPIRITS FROM ENTERING THE INSIDE OF THE SHAPES, and thus are they prevented from entering the inside of the home.
In the koalam patterns, many designs are derived from magical motifs and abstract designs blended with philosophic and religious motifs which have been mingled together. Motifs may include fish, birds, and other animal images to symbolize the unity of man and beast. Also used are designs for the sun, moon and other zodiac symbols.
10c Kalyana kkolam
The ritual koalam patterns created for special occasions such as weddings often stretch all the way down the street. Many of these created patterns have been passed on generation to generation, from mothers to daughters.
10d Drawing koalam in temples
Seasonal messages like welcome (நல்வரவு) can also be used in Koalam. Volunteering to draw the koalam at temple is sometimes done when a devotee' s wishes are fulfilled.
Rangoli, also known as koalam or muggu is a folk art from India. It is positively drawn during Diwali, Onam, Pongal and other Indian festivals. Typically consisting of bright colours, rangoli is a decorative design made in living rooms and courtyard floors during Hindu festivals . They are meant to be sacred welcoming areas for the Hindu deities.
The ancient symbols have been passed down through the ages, from each generation to the next, keeping both the art form and the tradition alive. The patterns are typically created with materials including coloured rice, dry flour, and (coloured) sand or even flower petals. Similar practices are followed in different Indian states:
For the art Koalam is told in Tamil Nadu; Mandana is told in Rajasthan; Chowkpurna is told in Northern India; Alpana is told in West Bengal; Aripana is told in Bihar; Chowk pujan is told in Uttar Pradesh; rangavallie in Karnataka and Muggu in Andhra Pradesh .
The purpose of rangoli is decoration, and it is thought to bring good luck. Design depictions may also vary as they reflect traditions, folklore and practices that are unique to each area. It is traditionally done by women. Generally, this practice is showcased during occasions such as festivals, auspicious observances, marriage celebrations and other similar milestones and gatherings.
Rangoli designs can be simple geometric shapes, deity impressions, or flower and petal shapes (appropriate for the given celebrations) , but they can also be very elaborate designs crafted by numerous people. The base material is usually dry or wet granulated rice or dry flour, to which sindoor (vermilion), haldi (turmeric) and other natural colours can be added. Chemical colours are a modern variation. Other materials include coloured sand and even flowers and petals, as in the case of flower rangolis. Rangoli is either left as an unfilled line drawing or it is filled with various coloured powders.
2. Rangoli variations in provinces
Not just in names, the designs also vary as per the region. In Maharashtra, rangoli are drawn on the doors of homes so that evil forces attempting to enter are repelled.
During the festival of Onam in Kerala, flowers are laid down for each of the ten days of the celebration, the design growing larger and more complex every day. In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, the koalam is drawn upon the ground or floor daily. The designs are geometric and symmetrical shapes but the materials used are similar rangoli: rice flour or slurry is used. In Rajasthan the mandana are painted on walls
3 Key elements of Rangoli
Rangoli India belong to any province, the folk art, so its elements are taken from the public is common. Rangoli' s most important element is Utswdhermita. For this, auspicious symbols are selected. Thus the symbol for generations as they are made - and is required to make these symbols. Traditionally, each new generation learns the art and thus a family keeps the tradition intact. Some major symbols used in Rangoli are the lotus flower, its leaves, mango, Tue vase, fish, different kind of birds like parrots, swans, peacocks, and human figures and foliage. Oftentimes Rangoli are made on special occasions like Diwali. Some special patterns for Diwali Rangoli are the Deep, Ganesha or Lakshmi.
The second key element is materials using in drawing rangoli. The same material is used which is easily found everywhere. Therefore this art is prevalent in all homes. Normally the major ingredients used to make rangoli – Raw rice solution, dried powder made from the leaves colour, charcoal, burned soil was, wood sawdust, etc..
The third important element is background. Rangoli background should be clear floor or wall . With time, imagination and innovative ideas in Rangoli art are also incorporated.
4 Creation of Rangoli
Rangoli is made in two ways. Dry and wet. The rangoli made by adding points put is a skill.
5.Faith and beliefs
In Tamil Nadu there is a prevalent legend that Andaal worshipped Lord Thirumal by drawing Koalam in the early morning and was married to him in the month of Markazhi. So during this month, unmarried girls get up before dawn and draw a Rangoli to welcome the god Thirumal.
Mentions of rangoli creation are found in Hindu epic. Ramayana at Sita's wedding pavilion where the discussion refers to rangoli there. (New information to me)
6.Cultural development
Cultural development of Rangoli in the South originated in the era of the Chola rulers. Behind the use of rice flour to feed the perception that the ant may feed it later. Rangoli is not removed during the sweep and cleaning.
7. Padayanai and Koalam
Padayani is one of the most colourful and spectacular folk arts associated with the festivals of certain temples in Southern Kerala (Alappuzha, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam). The word Padayani literally means military formations or rows of army, but in this folk art, a series of divine and semi-divine impersonations wearing HUGE MASKS OR KOLAMS of different shapes, colours and designs painted on the stalks of arecanut fronds. The most important of the Kolaams usually presented in a padayani performance are Bhairavi (Kali), Kalan (God of Death), Yakshi (Fairy), Pakshi (Bird), Kuthira (Horse), Marutha (Mother Goddess), etc. The Koalam consists primarily of a huge head gear with many projections and devices with a mask for the face or a chest piece for cover the breast and abdomen of the performer.
8. Koalam Thullal
Koalam Thullal is a ritual dance form prevalent in south Kerala, southern India. It is customary in houses and temples of Bhagavathy, a female deity. It is performed at temple festivals and to drive away evil spirits from the "possessed&quo t; bodies. Its origins lie with the Tinta group of the Kaniyar caste.
9 Research
The mathematical properties of Koalam are being used in the computer science field. Koalam patterns are studied and algorithms are developed for regenerating koalam designs with different patterns has been done.
Algorithms for drawing koalams are used in development of Picture drawing Computer software. Koalams are used for research in the Computational Anthropology.
As Koalams have a strong relationship with contemporary art and art history, they are used in the artwork and media field
10 A few more information or expansions
Koalam is also drawn in some parts of Goa, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and a few other Asian countries. Koalams are thought to bring prosperity to homes. Every morning in Tamil Nadu, women draw koalams on the ground with white rice powder. Through the day, the drawings get walked on, rained out, or blown around in the wind; new ones are made the next day.
Every morning before sunrise, the floor of the owners house, or where ever the Koalam may be, is cleaned with water and the muddy floor swept well to create an even surface. The koalams are generally drawn while the surface is still damp so the design will hold better. Powdered white stone (வெங்கசங்கள் பொடி / மொக்குமாவு) can be used for creating Koalam.
Occasionally, Cow Dung is also used to wax the floors. In some cultures, cow dung is believed to have antiseptic properties and hence provides a literal threshold of protection for the home. It also provides contrast with the white powder.
10a. Ants and birds
Decoration is not the sole purpose of a Koalam. In olden days, koalams were drawn in coarse rice flour, so the ants would not have to move too far or too long for a meal. The rice powder also invited birds and other small creatures to eat it, thus welcoming other beings into one's home and everyday life: a daily tribute to harmonious co-existence. It is a sign of invitation to welcome all into the home, not the least of whom is Lakshmi, the Goddess of prosperity and wealth.
My note- I have seen small sparrows, birds eating things from the floor , they will not eat larger pieces. If rice powder, powdered biscuit is sprinkled they will eat from the sprinkling. Ants get attracted to rice powder and dried batter.
10b. Importance of completing patterns
The patterns range between geometric and mathematical line drawings around a matrix of dots to free form art work and closed shapes. Folklore has evolved to mandate that the lines must be completed so as to symbolically PREVENT EVIL SPIRITS FROM ENTERING THE INSIDE OF THE SHAPES, and thus are they prevented from entering the inside of the home.
In the koalam patterns, many designs are derived from magical motifs and abstract designs blended with philosophic and religious motifs which have been mingled together. Motifs may include fish, birds, and other animal images to symbolize the unity of man and beast. Also used are designs for the sun, moon and other zodiac symbols.
10c Kalyana kkolam
The ritual koalam patterns created for special occasions such as weddings often stretch all the way down the street. Many of these created patterns have been passed on generation to generation, from mothers to daughters.
10d Drawing koalam in temples
Seasonal messages like welcome (நல்வரவு) can also be used in Koalam. Volunteering to draw the koalam at temple is sometimes done when a devotee' s wishes are fulfilled.
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