Intriguing Makar Sankranti Special Rangoli Designs to Beautify Your Home Plus Gifting Ideas to Celebrate With Your Loved Ones (2019)

Rangoli is believed to be a harbinger of good luck. It is popular in India, Nepal and Bangladesh. They are decorative designs made in a living room or courtyard floors mostly by girls or women of the family. They are showcased during festivals, marriages or other auspicious gatherings. Also known as Alpana, rangoli patterns are created using coloured rice, flowers, coloured sand, or paints. In the different states of India, Rangoli is known by different names.

Rangoli designs can be in geometric shapes, deity impressions or flower and petal shapes. They have spiritual significance and rangoli competitions are very common during festivals. Most of the Rangolis have a symmetrical design and are considered a symbol of prosperity, luck and growth.

Modern-day rangolis look mesmerising with the inclusion of various embellishments. Flowers, petals, gilt paints and stickers make the art forms even more beautiful. The art is used to communicate a social message and create awareness about social issues. Women empowerment, female foeticide, rape, environmental imbalances are few issues that have gained popularity over the years.

India is known for ‘Únity in Diversity’ and this is what makes India an incredible country. Every corner of India has different styles and designs of glamorising their festivals with Rangoli. Patterns are created on the floor or ground using materials such as coloured rice, dry flour, sand, flower petals etc.

In middle India mainly in Chhattisgarh Rangoli is called Chaook and is generally drawn at the entrance of a house or any other building. Dried rice flour or other forms of white dust powder is used for drawing Chaooks. It is considered auspicious as it signifies showering of good luck and prosperity on the house and in the family. Generally, women get up early in the morning and clean the area just outside the entrance of their houses with cow dung, sprinkle the area with water and draw the Chaook.

In Maharashtra and Karnataka, rangolis are drawn on the doors of homes so that evil forces attempting to enter are repelled. In Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and many parts of Maharashtra, the Rangoli or Kolam is drawn upon the ground or floor daily. The designs are geometric and symmetrical shapes but the materials used are similar. In Rajasthan the Mandana are painted on walls. In Odisha, the Murja is put at the aangan of every home in front of the Tulsi plant. They are meant to be sacred welcoming areas for the Hindu deities.

Kolam is native to Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and some parts of Goa. Kolam was traditionally drawn using rice or chalk powder. Nowadays it is replaced by synthetic colours. Kolam encouraged harmonious existence with birds and animals by inviting them for a meal hence the Kolam was drawn with rice flour so that the ants could come and get their food without going too far.

Chowkpurana is well known for its kaleidoscope designs and is popular in Madhya Pradesh. It is drawn using dried rice flour or other white dust powders. Over the years the designs have evolved with the younger generation coming up with new ideas. Chaook signifies the showering of good luck and prosperity in the family. Women get up early in the morning and draw the Chaook

Alpana is popular in West Bengal and is derived from the Sanskrit word Alimpana which means’ to coat with’ or ’plaster’. It is a sacred art or painting made with hands or natural paint made with rice or flour on auspicious occasions. Traditionally, women of the house made Alpana before sunset. It is strictly drawn in white colour. To give it a longer life it can be drawn with fabric colours. Other natural colours that are used are green taken from leaves or red colour from sindoor.

Muggu is popular in Andhra Pradesh and is known as Muggupindi. These rangoli patterns are drawn with a mixture of calcium or chalk powder. During festivals, it is made of rice flour as an offering to ants and birds. Earlier these designs were two-dimensional but in modern times they are three dimensional and very attractive. This art is used to communicate a social message or address social issues that are prevalent in India.

Aripana patterns are an integral part of every ritual or celebration in Bihar. It is drawn in the courtyard or the entrance of the house. Traditionally they were drawn to make the cultivated land fertile and fruitful. Drawn with fingers, the delicate designs are made with rice paste.

This kind of Rangoli is native to the areas of Rajasthan and named after the popular Mandana paintings. It is drawn in order to welcome Gods, for good health and for festivals. It is drawn using chalk powder. Women draw the patterns using cotton, a tuft of hair or a rudimentary brush made of a date stick.

This traditional art is popular in Odisha. Unlike other areas, jhoti can also be drawn on the walls and is traditionally a line art drawing. It is made out of a semi-liquid paste of rice flour to draw the line art. It is the freehand art that makes it more creative and fun.

The design of rangoli is very important to channelize its energy level. If you want to underplay it, go for a rounded design. If you want to go for sharp energy levels, go for rangoli designs that have sharper sides. Since the spiritual gurus believe that rangolis are a science of creating energy, the design, symbols, lines and colours, all play an important role. Also known as Muggu by the locals in South India, they design rangoli’s outside their houses and sometimes inside the house. They are colourful and often decorated with flowers, Diya's and sugarcanes, a bowl of pulses, rice and so on.

Muggu rangoli’s are generally made by using dots in patterns to make creative designs which is a common practice. Most designs in Andhra Pradesh have sugarcane on their designs and also figures of Gods and Goddesses. One can witness Indian unity in diversity in the various designs of rangoli. Rangoli is also called by different names in different regions of India like kolam in Tamil Nadu, Alpana in Bengal and Maharashtra, Pookalam in Kerala, Mandana in Rajasthan, Aripana in Bihar, Saathiya in Gujarat but fondly as Rangoli throughout India. Some of the creative and artistic rangoli designs are as follows:

Draw tentative patterns using chalk and fill the gaps with cereals, pulses and grains. It is easy, organic and time-saving. Glue it on the base and varnish on top and it is ready for use on the dining table or walls.

Colourful flowers are available in the market. Beautiful patterns can be created with a variety of different flowers like roses, marigold, jasmine, orchids etc. Using bright and contrasting colours will make the rangoli designs very attractive. It will also add fragrance to the surrounding.

A Rangoli of a human portrait can be only done by someone who excels in the rangoli art. You can choose your preferences for the portraits and try to make them easier than designs which need such minute details. This is a very beautiful rangoli design which surely grabs the attention of people and needs a lot of time and patience. You have to chalk out the outline and the interiors for the clothes and accessories. Rest of it can be coloured and properly managed. Make sure that the minute detailing of eyes and accessories are nicely done, to keep it neat and pretty.

What posters do on a wall, the same can be used on floors with powder colours to convey a social message and create public awareness. What cannot be said by words sometimes can be conveyed through posters. Different social issues like save the girl child, rape, education for all, save the environment, save water etc. can be successfully conveyed through poster rangolis.

Create a mash-up from the vegetable grocery with bright red tomatoes, brinjals, carrots, red and green capsicum and fruits like apples, oranges, pineapple, grapes, pomegranate, watermelon etc. and form them into the patterns as per your whims and fancies. They are easily available and economic and the designs look very colourful and attractive.

The combination of colourful flower petals reflects the creativity of the artist. Have kids at home, this easy flower petal rangoli is a good way to engage kids along with sharpening their intellect by forming various design patterns. Try a few rangoli designs with flower petals to welcome prosperity, good luck and positive vibes

Use leaves to make the festival eco-friendly and safe. In the south Indian state of Kerala, flowers and leaves are used to create Rangoli-the floor art is also known as pookolam. The designs are changed every day. Whole leaves may be used as borders to outline a design. Again, it is entirely up to the artist to use his or her imagination. Leaves being products of nature and being beautiful add a wonderful dimension of their own to the floor art.

Draw patterns on the floor and place diyas in the empty spaces and let them glow in the dark. Rangolis with diyas can really bring out the festive mood as well as unleash the creativity in you! This age-old tradition thrives and stays alive until now because of its sheer simplicity and beauty it brings to our living space.

Freehand patterns can be drawn on the floor or cardboard base and filled in with coloured rice which is made using food colouring. They can be geometric patterns or flower and petal shapes. You can work with one colour at a time and use glue to stick it to the areas required and shake off the access before using the next colour. It looks very beautiful and elegant and can change the outlook of your home.

Just roll into moulds and play with your whims. Shape them rounds, in form of leaf or just a snail trail. You can also involve kids for a helping hand because this art is not spoilable and much enjoyable when done with a group.

Bright orange and warm yellow colour marigold petal rangoli are warm and enveloping on floor decoration. It adds to the aesthetic appeal of your house with easy and clutter freestyle. It cherishes the culture and tradition of India.

Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious festivals among the people of Hindu religion in India. This festival is celebrated with lots of devotion and fervor in different parts of India. You can make this great religious festival by sending gifts online. Gifts are a great way to assure your presence when you are not at home or away from your relatives, friends and loved ones.

Tilkut is a sweet is popular in Bihar and Jharkhand. It is also known as “Tilkatri". It is made of pounded 'tila' or sesame seeds and jaggery or sugar. You can send it online to your relatives, friends and loved ones. Place of Origin delivers this great gift option for Rs. 230.

This gift hamper is a perfect way to celebrate Makar Sankranti by gifting the people you love. A beautifully packed hamper with dry fruits that is 7 inches big. The hamper contains 250-gram packets of dry fruits like Almonds, Cashew nuts, Pista and raisin. You can get this gift hamper on Ferns And Petals at Rs. 2,349.

A Bamboo Plant is a symbol of luck. It brings happiness and luck to homes where it is placed. For this reason gifting a bamboo plant on a festival like Makar Sankranti. This bamboo plant comes in two layers and is said to bring love and double the luck. This bamboo plant comes with milk cake and is available for Rs. 999. It comes in a decorative glass vase that can be repurposed.

The important part of a gift is the way it is packed and presented. This gift option for Makar sankranti comes in a lovely traditional pouch. It is available at Online Delivery for Rs. 1,645. Along with the dry fruits this gift pack also contains sweets to celebrate with.

Makar Sankranti is all about kites. Most people celebrate by flying kites together. This gift hamper is special because it comes along with 4 small kites. Til laddus and chikki are an addition that will add sweetness to celebrations. Gift this Hamper through Gifts Across India for Rs. 750.

Kite day will be sweeter and bring joy through this lovely gift of Chikki and kites. Brufruit chikki is a well-loved sweet which is loved in India. A modern gift with a traditional twist, this gift pack can be bought at Gift Across India for Rs. 750.

An ideal gift for a Makar Sankranti party, this haldi kumkum holder is decorated with kundan stones, half pearls and silver shining stones. A beautiful and useful gift, it can be brought on Amazon for Rs. 799. The size of this set is 18cms by 10 cms and comes with lids.

Every home needs a key holder. What better gift this Makar Sankranti than this beautiful key holder adorned with the images of Radha and Krishna. Available on Amazon for Rs. 399. This gift is detailed with jewels and peacocks on either side. It is made with long-lasting fibre material.