Best Rangoli Designs - Online Resource Guide

Rangoli designs are an integral part of Indian festivities especially Diwali. In recent news, The Leicester city council in UK launched a rangoli competition to design an artwork that best captures the excitement of Diwali celebrations in the town. Even though the city has a large minority of people of Indian origin; it boasts of the largest Diwali festivities outside India. For ages 16 and under, the winning entry would be turned into a mosaic art by a professional artist.

This goes on to reflect the importance of Rangoli in Indian festivals. Wondering what rangoli is all about? Derived from Sanskrit, it emphasizes the creative expression of art by means of colors. The source of the word rangoli is from "rang" (color) + "aavalli" (row), which means row of colors. Beautiful geometrical patterns and motifs adorn the entrances of doorways to welcome guests. The main purpose of making rangolis during Diwali is to welcome Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth, to individual homes. Usually two dimensional, the patterns are created free hand by using vibrant colors. It requires an aesthetic sense and creative mastery to get the perfect design using just your thumb and forefinger.

There any many characteristic themes of creating a rangoli. While the traditional rangolis were religious themed, seeking inspiration from various deities; the contemporary rangolis are lively, vibrant and aesthetic pieces of art. Traditionally the rangolis were created with rice flour, but now people use colored grains, flowers, paints, sand to enhance the beauty.

Are you looking for creative rangoli patterns to inspire you this Diwali? The web is a treasure house of resources even when it comes to rangoli designs and patterns. Here are some websites with the best rangoli designs online to enthuse your creativity.

DiwaliFestival.org
Rangoli, also known as Alpana and Kolam are generally circular representing the endlessness of time. However, with time modern interpretations are seen. DiwaliFestival.org has 25 of the best rangoli designs online for you to use this Diwali.

Hindu-Blog.com
The website beautifully showcases some traditional rangoli patterns which include the six petal lotuses, pointed stars and hexagons. During Diwali, diyas or earthen lamps are lit between the rangolis. For the best modern day rangoli designs online, check this out

Quanzen.com
Another website for some of the best rangoli designs online is Quanzen.com. Quanzen.com shares with you some stunning and exquisite designs you have ever seen. Even if you aren't interested in creating one, I'll encourage you to click the link and admire these stunning pieces of art.

TheHolidaySpot.com
Along with the history, theme and various intricacies, this website has an amazing resource of printable rangoli patterns too.

DLTK Kids
To encourage kids to participate in the festivities, DLTK has the best rangoli designs online using printable rangoli templates. Included are detailed instructions to print and decorate the rangolis by using colored rice. (That gives me some wonderful ideas for my kids too!)

Photographers Direct
The use of flowers in decorating Rangoli is becoming prominent by the day. Photographers Direct has a great collection of flower rangolis. Please note that the pictures are copyright protected. But have a look at the astounding rangoli patterns created by using petals of various flowers. A sheer visual delight!

Use these best rangoli designs to inspire you. Begin with a simple pattern. With practice, you could master the traditional floor art of India in no time.

Source(s)
http://www.zeenews.com/news563999.html