Rangoli

Rangoli or Alpana has always been an significant part of diwali decorations for me, ever since my childhood.

My earliest memories of Diwali and its traditions, are of my mother making an alpana/rangoli in our puja area. The alpana pattern was made of a white paste of rice powder and then decorated with a hint of red. The pattern itself could be made of various forms- flowers, lotus, diyas, geometrical designs etc. The floor area covered with the alpana was considered sacred and worthy of placing all things to be worshiped. Traditionally, Diwali festivities last a few days starting with Dhanteras. The alpana once made, stayed intact for all the days till the festivities lasted.  

As I grew older, I remember my sister and I making a rangoli every Diwali, near our entrance back in our home in India. As kids, amongst other things that marked Diwali as a special occasion, such as getting new clothes, gifts, lighting candles and diyas, fireworks; the rangoli was always one of the most exciting part for us. It was a way for us to express our creativity and be appreciated by all the guests that visited our home to bring Diwali wishes:)

Diwali, for me, is a very special occasion to celebrate... and I wish to always continue the rangoli tradition.

Here are a few shots of the Rangoli that I have made in my home past few years.

I hope you are all gearing up for the festive times ahead......My weekend is going to be packed with preparing for Diwali...and then Halloween!

Have a great weekend!

I'm joining Of spooks and sparkles, A bit of India in my home