UNC Greensboro
Rangoli is an art form that originates from India, in which patterns are created on the floor in living rooms or courtyards using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals. The purpose of rangoli is decoration, and it is thought to bring good luck. It is traditionally done by women.
Rangoli designs can be simple geometric shapes, deity impressions, or flower and petal shapes, or they can be very elaborate designs. The base material is usually dry or wet powdered rice or dry flour, to which sindoor, haldi, and other natural colors can be added. Chemical colors are a modern variation.