Rangoli

Rangoli also known as Kolam is a folk art from India. Rangoli are decorative designs made on the floors of living rooms and courtyards during Hindu festivals. They are meant to be sacred welcoming areas for the Hindu deities. The ancient symbols have been passed on through the ages, from each generation to the next, thus keeping both the art form and the tradition alive. The patterns are typically created with materials, including colored rice, dry flour,(colored) sand or even flower petals. Rangoli and similar practices are often followed in different Indian states; in Tamil Nadu, one has Kolam, Mandana in Rajasthan, Chowkpurna in Northern India, Alpana in West Bengal, Aripana in Bihar, chowk pujan in Uttar Pradesh etc.