DIY – This Color By Numbers Rangoli Tutorial is Just In time for Diwali

Rangoli is an auspicious Indian art form that involves temporary colorful and ornate floor paintings to commemorate & celebrate various religious holidays including Diwali.  It traditionally involves naturally colored pigments such as haldi (ground tumeric) and sindoor (vermillion) but has since evolved to everything from colored rice, sand or chalk to flowers.  Much like the abundance of lights during this Diwali season, rangoli is another mainstay and a great way to rev up for the festivities.  

We found these beautiful rangoli designs that were too pretty not to share.  We hope they will inspire you to create your own design!  And when you do be sure to tag it with #thechaipressrangoli.  You may see your design featured!

Scroll down to find out how you can create your own rangoli.

Awesome Rangoli Examples

Photos Curtesy of: Shanthi Sridharan

DIY Rangoli Tutorial

SUPPLIES:

1. Colored “rangoli” powder (choose only one of the following)
   1. Powders (we like these two below)
      1. Set of 10
      2. Set of 16
   2. Colored rice
   3. Flowers (like carnations or marigolds)
   4. Colored sand
2. White chalk powder
3. Paper cone
4. tea strainer/sieve + spoon
5. Large paper or poster board
6. Pencil & eraser
7. Oil
8. Paint brush
9. Rangoli design (feel free to try one of these)
10. Diyas or tealights optional

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Select a location for the rangoli that is a low traffic area (so that it won’t get stepped on or disturbed)
2. Choose a design (or select one from above)
   1. determine your color palette
   2. designate your colors in your design by assigning each color a number
3. Trace/sketch it on a large piece of paper and write the numbers for each sections corresponding color.  If you feel comfortable directly on your floor with the white chalk powder.
4. If using the paper method: cut out the outer most edge of the design and place it on the floor of your selected location
5. Very lightly “paint” the rangoli with oil (very very lightly; this will help the powders stick to your design)
6. Using color medium of choice begin filling in your design by
   1. Make a paper cone with a very small hole and filling it in the colored powder
      1. Use this to direct the selected colored powder into its region
   2. Using the tea strainer and spoon
      1. Pour some colored powder into the tea strainer
      2. Using the spoon push the powder through the strainer into your design
7. Outline your entire design with the white chalk using a paper cone
8. Place & light your diyas/tealights