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Rangoli is wall art as well as floor art.  The term RANGOLI is derived from 'Rang'(colour)+ avalli(coloured creepers) or 'Rang' + 'aavalli' (row of colours). Rangoli is Maharashtrain in origin although today it is practiced everywhere.

The motifs in Rangoli are usually taken from Nature - peacocks, swans, mango, flowers, creepers, etc. The colours traditionally were derived from natural dyes - from barks of trees, leaves, indigo, etc. However, today, synthetic dyes are used in a range of bright colours. The materials used for Rangoli take on either a flat appearance, when coloured powder such as rice, chilly, turmeric, etc is used or a 3-D effect when cereals, pulses either in their natural colouring or tinted with natural dyes are used. Some artists use the 3-D effect for borders alone while others create beautiful designs using grains and beads entirely. 

Originally Rangoli was done in small patterns - 2 ' by 2' but now entire floor areas of rooms and Hotel foyers are covered in intricate detailed designs. Traditionally, such floor decorations were done only on auspicious occasions or festivals. But today, any occasion is good enough - weddings, birthday parties, opening ceremonies, etc.

In the deep South and South West of India is Kerala - where flowers are used to create floor art.

Rangoli is a traditional Indian art used as a medium of decoration for the home that also has a religious significance. It enhances the beauty of the surroundings and spreads joy and happiness all around. The material used is powder in different colours. The designs range from simple to very complex, and can take hours to complete.