Rangoli
Rangoli/kolam known as Rangavalli in Sanskrit, is an enchanting form of visual communication through symmetrical designs since ancient times. Rangoli is an ancient art that combines dots with curved lines to form a design in harmony. Symbolic expressions are in existence in every culture and take precedence at many ceremonies.
In Hindu culture, Rangoli has spiritual and scientific significance and all festivals are incomplete without these beautiful and colourful patterns.
Rangolis are believed to add beauty to the dwelling place and bring peace and prosperity to the inhabitants. Rangoli with its symmetry represents order, pattern, harmony and serenity. Symmetry is inherent in nature, hence Rangoli is a manifestation of natural charm and grace.
All natural crystals available in nature have stunning symmetry in them. Crystals are known for their beautiful appearance and sacred vibrations because of their innate symmetry. There is an intimate connection between symmetry and the human brain according to the science of Cymatics and Neuroscience.
The symmetry of Rangavalli and its symbols form visual vibrations which the brain perceives immediately. The response of brain centres to the visual vibrations is tested and established by using MRI. The visual vibrations from a rangoli induce a pleasant sensation on the brain making the mind quiet.
The fingertips of humans are neurologically connected to the brain. Rangolis are geometrically balanced designs and drawing them involves brain activity. To draw a rangoli with a symmetrical pattern, one must use both the right and the left parts of the brain and simultaneously run the coarse powder through the fingertips of the thumb and index fingers which together activate the nerve centres in the brain.
Generally, women wake up early in the morning and draw these beautiful rangolis in front of the house and hence remain active and peaceful throughout the day.
Rangoli is also spiritually significant as it invokes divine power. The instances of drawing rangoli are also mentioned in the epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavatha to express joy and happiness. Rangoli is given immense prominence, especially in the month of Margashira.
It is auspicious for unmarried girls to wake up early in the morning during the month of Margashira and draw rangoli with beautiful and colourful designs with a wish to get fruitful rewards, especially good companions. A good rangoli design with a nice pattern is a symbol of Goddess Lakshmi.
Rangoli patterns are usually drawn with rice flour or coarse rice powder and hence they serve as food for insects and birds and it’s a beautiful message that we should care for other living beings on earth (Bhutha Yagna).
Women usually come together to draw bigger designs of rangoli during Sankranti festival which strengthen the cultural and social bonds among women. It is said that putting Rangoli in front of the houses is that the Goddess of wealth and prosperity is pleased.
