Modernization in Rangoli

We Indians are losing touch with the richness of our culture and have left behind all our rituals and customs. Technologies, hectic schedules, lack of emotional connectivity and luxuries are overpowering the traditional-beliefs. However, amidst all this, there is still one tradition amongst the few that is still in existence, though on a less intense scale and with modern techniques but yes, it is still there. That one art is the ancient art of India, an inspiring floor art, Rangoli.

The existence of rangoli is not to be denied but many innovations and modern technologies have overwhelmed the actual concept. The traditional rice powder has now been replaced by colorful sand powder and thick colored paste. To perfectly put these colors and paste into use, rangoli cones are also available to help draw a perfect rangoli irrespective of whether anyone knows or not how to draw a rangoli. Further, the freehand rangoli and dotted designs are now replaced by rangoli stencils and stickers. For making dotted rangoli, there are paper grids available and for different designs and abstract rangoli, screens are available. Paper grid ensures a perfect placement of dots and screen ensures perfect flowing of the desired colors from the extremely tiny holes between. In the hectic busy schedules, people hardly have any time to spare for drawing rangoli but festivals are still welcomed with warmth and beautiful rangoli designs. So, during these special occasions, women of the house make use of stencils and stickers to adorn the threshold of their homes. These are available in variety of designs and sizes. The most common yet popular designs of rangoli stickers, screens and stencils available are swastika, flower, diya, peacock and Lord Ganesha. Few other popular designs include spectrum of landscape, seascapes, political personage, historical events and portraits of celebrities.

Then there is the modern day housing and construction scenario in India with lesser area and space in Indian homes. In the urban living conditions, there is hardly space available to live a comfortable life then from where can anyone get space for drawing rangoli. Even for this, an alternative has come up. Women of today are performing this traditional art on paper, computer, sheets and small corners of the homes. Even portable rangolis made on transparent sheets, plywood sheets, acrylic sheets and mount board are also easily available in the market today. Further to this, variations like floating rangoli, meenakari rangoli and paper flowers rangoli have also come up in the modern market.

Though the basic concept has changed but the essence has not. Even today rangoli is artistically created with modern technologies to welcome warmth, love and prosperity on festive occasions. The art is flawlessly passed on from one generation to another and surprisingly each generation is accepting the art whole-heartedly. Exceptions are always there but the tradition is standing high with an unshaken belief and eternal significance. In short, modernization in rangoli is also a reflection of Indian tradition and culture.