rangoli - Art works

ART & IMAGINATION Of Indian Women in :
RANGOLI
http://youtu.be/TOIuZUGCpqA
A DOCUMENTATION SUBMITTED
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ELECTRONIC MEDIA DEGREE
OF BANGALORE UNIVERSITY
AZAR NASSIRI AZAR
( Reg. No. 12RSBMM001 )
UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF
Mr. MANJUNATHA.M
DEPARTMENT OF MEDIA STUDIES
GARDEN CITY COLLEGE
BANGALORE 560 049
ACADEMIC YEAR 2013 – 2014
DECLARATION
l, Azar Nassiri Azar, a student of M.Sc in Electronic Media course at Garden City
College, Bangalore hereby declare that this documentary titled, “Art &
Imagination of Indian Women in RANGOLI ”, submitted in partial fulfillment of
the requirement of Bangalore University for the award of the degree in M.Sc. in
Electronic Media is a record of independent and original research work done by me
under the guidance of Mr. Manjunatha.M, Head of Department of Media Studies,
Garden City College.
Also, I declare that the documentation has not been previously submitted for the
award of any degree, diploma, associate ship, fellowship or any academic
certification in part or full of Bangalore University or any other university
Azar Nassiri Azar
Date:
Reg.no (12RSBMM001)
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
At the outset, I would like to sincerely thank all those who have helped me in some
way or the other and bestowed their blessings.
1 would like to express my and sincere thanks to my institution Garden City
College, Bangalore and gratitude to those who have been instrumental in the
completion of my documentary.
I express my sincere gratitude to the Chairman Dr. Joseph . V.G, for providing me
with the necessary facilities for the completion of this documentary.
I express my sincere gratitude to my principal Ms.Bharathi.N for giving me an
opportunity to undertake this documentary.
I would also like to express my profound gratitude to my HOD and guide Mr.
Manjunatha.M for his guidance, support and encouragement during the
documentary.
Azar Nassiri Azar
Reg.no (12RSBMM001)
Certificate
This is to certify that this documentary titled “Art & Imagination of Indian Women
in RANGOLI ” is a record of the original research work undertaken by
Ms. Azar Nassiri Azar of the department of Media Studies at Garden City College,
Bangalore during the academic year 2012-2014 under my guidance and
supervision in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the honor of the Master of
Science degree of Bangalore University.
I also testify that this documentary has not previously formed the basis of any other
degree, association, diploma, fellowship or any other academic certification in part
or full towards Bangalore University or any other university.
Date:
Mr. Manjunatha. M
(Research Supervisor)
CONTENTS
Working title key
personnel format info
Brief Logline
Introduction
Scope
Research
Voice over audio script
Dual Video Script
Real Character & On Camera
Interviews
Budget
Bibliography
Working Title
“The Art and Imagination of Indian Women in:”
RANGOLI
ke y p e r s o n n e l
Producer
Director
Azar Nassiri Azar
Azar Nassiri Azar
Editor
Script Writer
Azar Nassiri Azar
Azar Nassiri Azar
Camera Person
Sound Recorder
Azar Nassiri Azar
Azar Nassiri Azar
Other Collaborators
FORMA T
Garden City College
Bangalore University
INFO
Total run time
Genre
Format
Availability
15 - 17 minutes
Expository Documentary
Dv -pal
For academic purpose, free
for public showcase &
benefit.
Not for commercial profit
Br i e f
Lo g l i n e
This documentary will be presentation of art and creative minds and artistic
hands of Indian women which has wonderful effects and is showing the
believes about this traditional art which is happening on the earth.
Introduction
This documentary is about Rangoli, a folk and natural Indian art, an Indian sand
painting design mostly by Indian women. India has rich and powerful cultural
value. Rangoli is one of the richest Indian arts. Every Indian, especially women
should know how to present and make creatively the Rangoli design. The design
and color of the Rangoli play around one’s mind and naturally can make anyone
calm and silent.
This documentary will show how Rangoli is designed with the different colours to
decorate their life area. It will explain the reasons of doing Rangoli and how the
house lady will draw beautiful design of flowers and decorative shapes with a
simple colours and chalk. It also highlights the believes and ideas behind this
traditional art. Also how people will draw rangoli in large areas just by creating the
blueprints in their mind. How an artist is expressing motif. How Rangoli has effect
on daily life of people.
Scope
 To discover the secrets and believes and reasons behind Rangoli.
 To remind Rangoli as an Art and Indian women are real artist, therefore it is
very valuable art and we should call Indian housewife ARTIST.
 To show the positive influence of ART and COLOUR in our daily life.
 To show using the fingers power for making this creative art.
The documentary would be shot in a real time of daily life of people. It would use
observant camera. The documentary would informal documentation. The voice
over will be use for more explanation. Suitable audio track would be added to
support the visuals. Documentary would contain more of visuals and voice over.
Research
Faith and beliefs
In Tamil Nadu there is a prevalent myth, that Andaal worshipped
Lord Thirumal and was married to him in the month of Markazhi. So during this
month, unmarried girls get up before dawn and draw a Rangoli to welcome the god
Thirumal. Mentions of rangoli creation are found in Hindu mythology. The first
Indian treatise on painting refers to a legend comes, she follows - the son of a king,
priest died. Brahma said to the king that he built on land given sketches of the boy
so he could be put to life. Some lines on the floor Akieanchian king, from here
rangoli or Alpana was introduced. In this context is another story that Brahma
created the craze for the common juice by removing trees that formed the shape of
a woman on the floor. Monster was going to beat the beauty of woman, the woman
later Urvashi Kaahalai. The shape of rangoli Akieanchian by Brahma was the first
form. See also references to Rangoli in legend, such as in the - Ramayana at Sita's
wedding pavilion where the discussion refers to rangoli there. Cultural
development of Rangoli in the South originated in the era of the Chola rulers.
Behind the use of rice flour to feed the perception that the ant should. Here it is
considered that the columns of the shed to get food to animals other creatures
protecting the natural cycle. Rangoli is not removed from the sweep or legs but
they mixed with water fountains or mud is removed from the hands . Mithilaanchal
no such festival - festival or (Upanan - someone like marriage) ceremony in the
courtyard walls and painting the house is not done. Separately for each occasion of
ढँ ग "Aripan" which made different - different spiritual meaning. On the occasion
of marriage, groom - bride's cell wall targets "Kaohaber" and "Naina Jogin" such
as pictures, which are actually based system, is the pattern of the specifics of
painting. There are modern and traditional rangoli designs. The designs are usually
inspired by nature, but they can also be in the form of abstract art.
Difference between Rangoli & Kolam
Rangoli
Kolam
Generally Rangoli is made without dots
Kolam
Different patterns of dots used to create
Must be colored
Many times coloring is not required
You can create at the instant
You need to practice before you present
It's kind of free hand art
It is pre-defined
Rangoli instrument may be needed
All manual work
More creativity needed
Less imagination & creativity
It has no structure
It is structured
As Rangoli has no dots it is very difficult to re-create
Kolam is basically a connecting dot art so
any one can replicate
Generally Kolam book is kept for future generation in a family
There is no such kind of book
Myths and beliefs about Rangoli
Kolam the South Indian Rangoli art is traced back thousands of years. Rangoli is
drawn in front of homes to welcome the new guest, good luck, and fortune. But it
is believed that Kolam or Rangoli is drawn to control the ants inside the home.
Yes, even 100 years back the Rangoli was drawn using the coarse ground rice
powder. The ants would take the particles of rice and go out of home. And also by
quenching the hunger of the ants the family would also get good fortune. Due to
cost and other difficulties in making this method people started use coarse ground
white sand what we call “kolam powder”. It resembles rice powder. Now-a-days
people complaining that ants are destroying eatables inside home. It may be a one
of the reasons that we gave up the method of using rice powder Kolam
Psychological treatment about Rangoli
Work pressure, tension and angry are more than enough to collapse a human
psychologically worse and may lead to mentally disorder permanently. Work
pressure, tension and angry had been associated with human being since thousands
of years. Our ancestors were following lot methods to reduce it.
In Hindu religion all religious activities from prayer to cemetery rituals have the
scientific truth behind it. What would you feel after return from a Hindu temple?
You would feel good and your tension and pressure would be reduced to a greater
extent. Do you know why? The temple structure, statues and rhythmic prayers of
others sooth the mind and set you free and comfortable. The same way Rangoli
does. Rangoli acts as a natural psychological healer when anyone takes a look at it
regularly.The design and color of the Rangoli play around one’s mind and
naturally make anyone calm and silent.
Using Fingers in Rangoli
Take a pinch of white Rangoli powder and hold it between your thumb and index
fingers, turndown, let powder flow and make basic designs or out line of the
picture. Using the same technique fill with colors.
in those days why even now in towns too first the place is cleansed with cow dung
to disinfect the area and then the rangoli is put, it is also a sign of good will in the
homes, they say where there is no rangoli some death has happened, and with the
decorative ones you realise something good is happening that is why such large
decorative rangolis and flowers and all...on amavasya they usually never put
rangoli as the ancestors have to come in to partake what is being given in their
name to the brahmins......
Firstly, it is believed that Goddess Laxmi resides in the house where a rangoli is
made at the doorstep before 7.00 a.m. in the morning. There willnever be dearth of
foodgrains and shelter if a rangoli is there at the doorstep. There will be help in
disguise no matter how grave the situation is if we follow the tradition of rangoli at
the doorstep.
Secondly, in South Rangoli is drawn with rice flour. Ants are attracted to the rice
flour and come in groups to eat them. In a way, a brahmin is performing his duties
of giving 'alms' or 'food' to the needy.
Thirdly, a well decorated doorstep, invites positive Chi and it is important to keep
your door way clutter free and beautiful with respect to vastu and feng shui. A
rangoli seems to be the best option compared to million coloured bulbs.
Rangolis were made out of rice flour. I think in olden days to avoid ants entering
the house Rangoli was used so they are busy outside the house and are not hungry
and motivated to look for more food.
RANGOLI
Tourists to any Indian state, especially to the southern states of Tamil Nadu,
Karnataka and Andra Pradesh will be greeted by elaborate designs at every door-
step and even at the temple portals. Many a westerner has clicked photographs of
these designs and some have even tried them out!
In states of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa, designs and patterns are displayed with
colorful powder too. In Kerala during Onam festival, patterns are decorated with
flowers and foliage! Even today, the devout Tamilian woman will decorate the
entrance to her home with elaborate designs made of rice flour.
Ancient India had its hub in the villages. Indians have always believed in the
principle of living and letting others to thrive also. “Live and let live”, being the
policy of Indians, it is one country that has not waged wars with any country and
never ventured to conquer another kingdom. Hinduism itself is more a way of life
than a religion, and is known to have never imposed its views on people of other
faiths. On the contrary, Hindus have been tolerant people, permitting the myriad
population in India to practice any faith of its choice.
In villages, ancient Hindus depended on plants, herbs and nature to help in their
sustenance. At the crack of dawn, after milking the cow, its dung is collected and
the mud floors outside and inside of a home is cleansed with this dung! Even
today, in villages this ritual is followed. Much to the astonishment of westerners,
the cow’s dung has antiseptic properties and is used as an insecticide and pesticide.
Mosquitoes are known to be repelled by the odor of dung.
After cleaning the mud-floors with cow-dung, womenfolk drew elaborate patterns
and designs with rice powder. The wisdom behind this ritual is that while dung
repels mosquitoes and other insects, ants could feast on the rice powder and thus
restrict their trail to the portico without entering inside the house! Ants forever in
search of sweets and sugar granules were too tiny to be killed. Moreover, ants were
regarded with reverence as Lord Ganesha’s favorite creature. Remember, Indians
never resorted to killing mosquitoes, but repelled them with dung or neem oil or by
planting neem trees. Similarly, ants got their quota of food and didn’t need to
march right inside the house.
Why rice flour?
Paddy is the main food crop in South India and South Indians are primarily rice
eaters. And ants are rice eaters too. Why burden the tiny ant with a grain of rice,
when it can feed on rice powder to its heart content! Not only ants, but the rangoli
drawn with rice powder is fodder for all pests and insects. This, way, Hindus kept
all elements well-fed.
However, today, with concrete floors having substituted mud-floors of yore, the
humble rice no longer draws a fine line, thanks to the non-absorbing capacity of
concrete! So, women, today mix rice powder with other chemical mixtures. And
the intricate designs of yesteryears have been replaced by simple
‘kolams’(Rangoli) today, by the boardroom women.
On festive occasions, when numerous relatives and friends would visit each other’s
homes, South Indians mix rice powder in water and draw designs. Rice powder can
be erased by several footsteps moving in and out of the house, but rice powder
mixed in water lies imprinted on the ground for a longer time. Moreover, a festive
occasion needs to be treated differently compared to an ordinary day.
Did rangolis or kolams have a purpose?
If you examine the myriad civilizations of the world, you would find that after the
basic needs of humans were fulfilled like acquiring food and water, shelter, man
usually tries to form a community. The proverb, “Birds of a feather flock
together”, holds true. Man looked forward to huddling together with people of his
kind or in groups. When people live in a society, a camaraderie develops and soon,
man tries to ingratiate himself in the group in many ways, one of which is striving
to be useful. Thus, early man used his talents to win the approval of his peers. It
also helped him to bring out his latent skills to the fore.
Similarly, women too were able to express themselves artistically through needlework, drawing on the walls, tree-trunks or floors, remember, paper wasn’t
discovered then! Staying indoors, women had something exciting to look forward
to every morning when they could compete with their neighbors in drawing better
patterns. Earlier, things commonly found in nature like leaves, peacock, birds,
flowers etc were portrayed. However, not all women were talented artists, but had
a meticulous eye for details. Thus, was born the time of drawing patterns with dots
and lines.
Even today, Indian women connect numerous dots to form intricate and
complicated, but aesthetic patterns. In the villages of Tamil Nadu at the crack of
dawn and even towards evening, women sprinkle the portals of their homes with
water and draw beautiful designs with rice powder or chalk.
This practice not only cleans the portals of your home, but when drawn early in the
morning, shakes off sleep from the eyes, gives women something to look forward
to, to excel and compete with their peers, and to master complicated and complex
designs. A woman’s ability and efficiency is compared to the way she draws the
kolam. A symmetrical design, with the dots placed equidistantly, with the
connecting lines show how balanced and efficient a woman is. The curves in a
pattern if drawn artistically, again exhibit her artistic and feminine bent of mind.
The myriad patterns just go to show her willingness to learn new things. The use of
colors that are pleasing to the eyes reflect her mental state of either being vibrant,
flamboyant and friendly or serene, calm and civil.
A steady and unwavering mind usually has the ability to co-ordinate the same traits
to the hand, which draw symmetrical patterns with straight lines or curves resulting
in proportionate designs. A pattern drawn in a hurry, in a slipshod manner again
indicates the woman’s state of mind then.
An imaginative mind and a trained eye can actually discern the personality of the
person who has drawn a pattern. And yes, by mastering the patterns, one can
master the mind too!
When you want to bring forth the best design without a line or dot out of place,
you would concentrate all your energies at that point there and your cares and
worries are for a minute in the back of your mind.
That apart, like sharing recipes, sharing secrets, taking and doling out advice and
laughing at a joke, women exchanged patterns and indulged in healthy
competition, which brought out the best in each.
Also, as women were inside the house mostly, the drawing of rangoli provided the
much needed exercise that bending and rising did. Men anyway physically toiled in
the fields or outside. Also, the intricate patterns represent a maze, indicating that
life is a maze and entering it and coming out of it, by touching every aspect of life
can be a challenge, but can be done with equipoise, sensitivity, blending aesthetics
with reason!
There’s a method to every pattern as there is a method to problem solving in life.
Following that method ensures you live life to the fullest.
Why women and not men draw rangolis?
For the simple reason that men spent less time at home, as they were busy outside,
and women in their spare time had something productive to do, instead of idling
and inviting the devil into their minds, women often draw rangolis. Many men who
are artistically inclined do draw beautiful patterns too.
Kolams for auspicious occasions
South Indian marriages, thread ceremonies and other auspicious occasions and
festivals are marked with the most elaborate kolams in the venue and outside.
Apart from the reasons mentioned above, people entering the portals of an
auspicious occasion will also be happy and light, it’s believed. The ‘kaavi’ that is
of an earthen hue is a liquid used by crushing limestone and red brick powder is
used to outline the border of the kolam. It’s believed that the kaavi prevents evil
intentions of others from touching the happiness of the blessed people.
Rangolis in the temple
Temples are cleaned too and rangolis drawn in front of every sanctum sanctorum.
This again is an act of revering the sacred chambers of the Lord, the basic reasons
remaining the same. However, certain designs or yantras as they are popularly
called are made for a specific purpose. Certain patterns usually signify the code of
certain prayers or wishes and are drawn to achieve those like wealth, health,
annihilation of enemies etc. When temple deities are acrid out in a procession
around a village or town, women clean their portals and draw fresh patterns
showing their reverence for God. It symbolizes that they have cleansed their heart
and mind, erasing unwanted desires, anger, and despair and in their place have
drawn beauty and have made space for the divine!
Significance of Rangoli
The designs drawn on the floor have a magical power and presence. They are used
at the entrance of the house to welcome a guest with grace and elegance. The most
original form of rangoli’s are still drawn by some of the most orthodox families in
India especially in the rural places.
Why use rice flour?
South Indians are primarily rice eaters. Ants are rice eaters too. Why burden the
tiny ant with a grain of rice, when it can feed on rice powder to its heart content!
Not only ants, but the rangoli drawn with rice powder is fodder for all pests and
insects. Some of them who are ignorant of this fact use paint or stickers to adorn a
rangoli.
Cultural signifance?
The RANGOLI of course has cultural and religious significance attached to it. In
many homes, Rangolis are made everyday and not just on special occasions.People
believe it as a sign of welcoming the Gods & receive their blessings.This has
almost become a ritual performed in the morning as well as evening.
Rangoli speaks a woman’s mind
It is said “A woman’s ability and efficiency is compared to the way she draws the
kolam”. A symmetrical design, with the dots placed equidistantly with the
connecting lines show how balanced and efficient a woman is. The myriad patterns
just go to show her willingness to learn new things. The use of colors that are
pleasing to the eyes reflect her mental state of either being vibrant, flamboyant and
friendly or serene, calm and civil.
Important occasions for drawing rangolis
The rangolis in different parts of India differ not only in forms and colours but also
vary in frequency and occasions. In most places, the rangolis are drawn on
occasions related to marriage, naming ceremony, first rice eating ceremony or the
sacred thread ceremony. Other auspicious occasions like Diwali, Holi, Makar
Sankranti, Sripanchami (Saraswati Puja), Laxmi Puja, Prabhodhni Ekadashi, Maha
Ashtami Puja, Raksha Bandhan, Pongal are never complete without a colourful
rangoli.
Ants feed on the Kolam flour
Ants are one of the great species that teach the concept of saving the food for the
future. This particular concept of saving things for the future is very good indeed
for the human beings. Ants take thekolam flour that is drawn in front of the house
to their holes so that the rice flour that is present in the Kolam powder acts to be
the best food for the ants. Moreover not only the ants but also some of the birds
feed on the kolam flour. This is the best significance that occurs in drawing of the
kolam flour in front of the house.Rangoli is very much an ‘art of the moment’,
much like sand sculptures or street paintings. Its transient nature means it is
dynamic, much like life, and culture.
Generally, traditional rangoli designs tend to be geometric and proportioned,
though this has changed over time and newer themes and variations are being
explored. Rangolis can be of any size, from the size of a doormat, to the size of an
entire room.
Rangoli was originally done in small patterns like, 2 feet square. Nowadays,
entrance to homes, wedding halls, large areas of floor in hotel foyers, are covered
in intricate and detailed rangoli designs. Traditionally, such floor decorations were
done only on auspicious occasions or festivals. But today, they grace many
occasions such as - weddings, birthday parties, opening ceremonies, corporate
functions etc.
The one important point that all rangoli artists follow implicitly is to see that the
entire pattern is created by an unbroken line, with no gaps to be left anywhere so
there is no opening for evil spirits to enter. This is a strong belief in the Indian
culture. This is important as rangolis are mostly drawn as an auspicious expression
of hospitality to invite Gods/Goddesses and also guests to bless one’s home.
Women have traditionally been creating the rangoli patterns from memory while
watching their mothers and grandmothers draw them all their lives. Girls on their
way home from school would look at neighbour’s patterns and attempt to
reproduce them when they got home.
Materials Used
The materials that are used to make a rangoli are easily found everywhere –
therefore there is no income divide –it is found at homes rich and poor. A variety
of ingredients are used to create a Rangoli.
The day to day rangolis - the line drawings, in geometric and symmetrical shapes
are drawn with dry rice powder or with rice paste. Rice powder is used because it
is white in colour and readily available. Also, it serves to feed ants/insects and
small birds. This shows that one must take care of other forms of life too, to create
a natural balance.
The dry, coarsely ground rice powder is placed between the thumb and forefinger
and rubbed together and moved along a predetermined design by the artist. On
festive occasions, large designs, depicting the occasion are drawn in front of the
entrance to the house, and smaller ones inside the house. These are then outlined in
red with 'kavi' a red brick paste, to make it look grander and more beautiful.
All over India, floor paintings are essentially white in colour. White is a symbol of
peace, purity and tranquillity. The material used is rice flour or rice paste, because
rice to all Indians is a sign of prosperity. Finely ground white stone powder or
chalk is used these days, as this is easier to apply and makes the rangolis brighter
and well finished. (A better preparation is obtained by using a combination of
white stone powder and rice flour.)Yet another symbol of prosperity is the colour
yellow. Turmeric which is yellow or ochre in colour is also often used to fill in the
white outlines. Sometimes, vermilion or kumkum is also used. Vermilion, is
considered auspicious. Initially, colours were traditionally derived from natural
dyes - from barks of trees, leaves, indigo, etc. However, today, synthetic dyes are
used in a range of bright colours. When coloured powder such as rice,
chilli, turmeric, etc. are used to enhance the white powder creations the
rangoli takes on a flat 2-D like appearance. Whereas a 3-D effect in
rangolis is achieved when cereals, pulses either in their natural colouring
or tinted with natural dyes are used to decorate and elevate the look.
Some artists use the 3-D effect for borders alone while others create
beautiful designs using grains and beads entirely. Grains, pulses, beads,
or flowers are also used to achieve the desired effects.
Modern day materials used in rangoli
Coloured powders like indigo used for cloth staining, spices like
turmeric, rawa, rice flour, flour of wheat etc are traditionally used in the
rangoli patterns.
Coloured powders like indigo used for cloth staining, spices like turmeric, chili,
rawa, rice flour, flour of wheat etc are traditionally used in the rangoli patterns.
But in the present day, coloured powder is usually used directly for fancy
decorations, but for detailed work, generally the material is a coarse grained
powder base into which colours are mixed. The base is chosen to be coarse so that
it can be gripped well and sprinkled with good control. The base can be sand,
marble dust, saw dust, brick dust or other materials. The colours generally are very
fine pigment powders like gulal/aabir available for the Holi festival or colours
specially sold for rangoli in South India. Powder colours can be simply mixed into
the base.
If the base is light like saw dust, it can be used to make floating rangolis on the
surface of still water. Sometimes saw-dust or sand is soaked into water based
colours and dried to give various tints. If a rangoli is to be made on water, the
colour should preferably be insoluble in water.
A large variety of materials are used to make the rangoli designs in the present day.
People across the country have learnt to experiment and mix and match materials
as the creative minds that make these rangolis are looking for innovative and
modern answers. These materials are also coloured as per the need.
A brief list of the rangoli materials used in the modern day is
as follows:
• Rangoli colours: These are readily available in the market.
• Marble dust: This gives a good result, but becomes very heavy to carry in bulk.
• Saw dust: Sawdust is easier to handle and spread. It even floats on water.
• Rice: This is used as it is or ground for fine texture. Grains of rice can be used
by themselves or they can be coloured using food colours.
• Coloured Suzi/rawa: These grains are harder than saw dust and easy to spread,
but they do not mix too well with colours.
• Petals: Rose petals, marigold petals, small purple flowers, finely cut grass, leaves
like methi leaves etc can be used to fill up large designs. Strings of marigold,
strings of kanakambara(orange coloured slim delicate flowers available in South
India), jasmine etc also are used to outline the rangolis.
• Pulses: Different shaped and coloured pulses are used to fill up large rangoli
designs. They lend a texture to the patterns.
• Fabric or poster colour mixed with chalk powder: Small quantity of colour is
mixed with chalk powder and applied with a brush on the floor. This looks like a
painting on the floor ….not a traditional form of rangoli, but it has an advantage
over the traditional format as it is very easy to create and lasts relatively longer.
• Coloured stones: These are used only for big and abstract rangolis as finesse is
not possible with such materials. Also, they are neatly arranged in the patterns
rather than spread by hand.
Traditional pookolams on the occasion of Onam
festival
The designs start in a small way but as the days go by, more and more rangoli
artists join and the designs get bigger and more beautiful. Not all flowers are
suitable as some may fade and dry very quickly. For example, the bougainvillea
which comes in beautiful shades of red, pink and white cannot be used because
they wither very soon. Petals of various flowers, such as oleanders, cosmos, zinnia,
chrysanthemums, daisies, roses, jasmine, and green leaves are arranged into lines
and filled shapes. Sometimes the petals of large flowers, such as dahlias, are
separated from the flower and these are used to fill the designs. Whole flowers may
be used as borders to outline a design. Again, it is entirely up to the artist to use his
or her imagination. Flowers being products of nature and being beautiful add a
wonderful dimension of their own to the floor art. The combination of colours and
flowers reflect the creativity of the artist. The THUMBA flower is a
special flower that is small and light coloured and in the shape of a heel and sole of
a foot, nicknamed, the VISHNU foot; it is necessary to use this in all flower
kolams during ONAM.
These pookolams being offerings to God are never cleared away with a broom
when they need to be removed and are cleared only by hand.
Lakshmi footprints in a rangoli for Lakshmi puja
during Diwali.
During Diwali, Goddess Lakshmi is believed to visit homes that are well decorated
and well lit, so families decorate their homes. People wear their best clothes or buy
new ones, children are given presents and New Year greetings are exchanged
through visits or Diwali cards.
Adorning the entrances of individual homes with Diwali rangolis to welcome
everyone is a common practice during this festival. Since the entire objective of
making rangoli in Diwali is to welcome Goddess Laxmi small footprints coming
into the home, representing the footprints of the Goddess, are made at the main
entrance of the home or near the place of worship, which indicates the entry of
prosperity into the home. It is considered very auspicious as it signifies showering
of good luck and prosperity on the family residing in such a well decorated home.
During Diwali some of the rangoli designs that are made are circular exuding a
sense of endlessness of time. A central rangoli design is the symbolic one denoting
the deity or the theme. Motifs that are generally used are lotus, fish, birds, snakes
etc. which reflect the unity of man and beast. Layered with symbolism, Goddess
Lakshmi in the lotus is represented in the rangolis, which indicates renewed life or
the unfolding of life.
Traditional Diwali rangolis
Also during this festival, two interfaced triangles are created that indicates the
deity of learning, Sarswati. Encircling this is a 24-petal lotus flower border, the
outer circle being decorated with Lakshmi's footprints repeated in four corners.
Sometimes the lotus petals are made in a triangular shape for variety. In north
Bihar, Lakshmi's feet are drawn at the door, the toes pointing inwards to indicate
her entrance.In Andhra Pradesh during Diwali an eight-petal lotus (ashtadal kamal)
and many geometric patterns forming the lotus are created. In Tamil Nadu the
hridaya kamalam an eight-pointed star meaning lotus of the heart is drawn. In
Maharasthra too, the lotus is a basic motif during Diwali and designs like shankh
kamal - shell lotus and thabak (which means salver) is in the shape of an eightpetal lotus with straight lines elaborated with curving lines to give it the
appearance of a salver. In Gujarat there are said to be 1001 variations of the lotus
which are drawn during Diwali, the festival when Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped.
The Diwali festival is marked by gaiety and prosperity all over the southern part of
India. The rangolis drawn are basically geometric patterns formed with dots and
lines to make squares, circles, swastikas, lotus, trident, fish, conch shell, footprints,
creepers, trees and bear testimony both to individual genius and community
participation as, many women work for days together on creating a single design.
Oil lamps or diyas are lit in these rangolis towards the evenings, creating a festive
atmosphere.
Diwali is the most lavish Hindu festival, occurring in October or November at the
close of the rainy season, observed to propitiate the Lakshmi, goddess of plenty,
luck and prosperity. Women create rangoli patterns that invoke Lakshmi to
manifest in their domestic space, securing her blessings and abundance in all walks
of life. During Diwali, women create rangoli in every corner of the dwelling space,
with multiple auspicious designs. Hexagons and six pointed stars, and six petaled
lotuses are particularly used for Diwali to honour Goddess Lakshmi.
Modern day innovations in rangoli
The rangoli provides an object for “fascination” or attention in a sacred space, in
an atmosphere filled with festivity and devotion and the eye follows the orderly
pattern of the rangoli with directed attention. A rangoli is filled with culturally
recognizable symbols for comfort, protection, and wish fulfilment, and is a visual
encounter with an aesthetically pleasing, moderately complex pattern.
But now with changing housing construction and social structures in India these
are affecting the presence and requirement of rangoli. People are moving to urban
apartment blocks where there is no area that can be set apart for pooja. Floor
surfaces, such as tiled, carpeted and linoleum are poorly suited for the creation of
rangolis. Also many families have emigrated to other countries where the practice
of this floor art becomes almost non-existent. But all this has not deterred the
rangoli enthusiasts. They practice them on paper, on the computer, or conduct
competitions, or network to form clubs so as to find avenues to conserve this
creative art.The rangoli provides an object for “fascination” or attention in a sacred
space, in an atmosphere filled with festivity and devotion and the eye follows the
orderly pattern of the rangoli with directed attention. A rangoli is filled with
culturally recognizable symbols for comfort, protection, and wish fulfilment, and is
a visual encounter with an aesthetically pleasing, moderately complex pattern.
But now with changing housing construction and social structures in India these
are affecting the presence and requirement of rangoli. People are moving to urban
apartment blocks where there is no area that can be set apart for pooja. Floor
surfaces, such as tiled, carpeted and linoleum are poorly suited for the creation of
rangolis. Also many families have emigrated to other countries where the practice
of this floor art becomes almost non-existent. But all this has not deterred the
rangoli enthusiasts. They practice them on paper, on the computer, or conduct
competitions, or network to form clubs so as to find avenues to conserve this
creative art.
Rangoli competitions
In India, over the years different cultures have merged into its soul so the rangoli
design is now seen more as a creative form of decoration during festivals and
events than only a religious element. These influences are sometimes seen at
Christmas time with elements like bells, reindeer, Santa Claus and different Holly
wreaths used as a repetitive design element woven into geometrical rangoli
designs.
Christmas related Santa rangolis
Further, artists hold exhibitions on Rangoli and other floor art where various
modifications of the traditional art can be seen. Thus, in one variation, artists use
even water as their medium! For this, a tank or tub of water is taken and kept in an
area where the water will not be disturbed by breeze or movement of air. A fine
layer of charcoal powder (which is light and floats on the surface) is sprinkled on
the surface and the artist creates his/her designs using the rangoli powders on this
water panel. The effect is magnificent, to say the least.
Unique , abstract rangolis
Not all rangoli enthusiasts or practitioners are born artists. So to help them draw
geometric designs, guides such as dots are placed strategically in the required
shape of the design and then the artist connects these dots or goes around them in
curves, lines and circles to create the design. In the present day market, there are
several gadgets and design books to help the novice achieve near perfect rangolis –
there are rollers - hollow tin rollers with handles and designs drilled on the surface,
to be filled with rice powder and dragged effortlessly along the floor or across
steps in diagonal lines to produce intricately designed rangolis. There are also
plastic and metal trays, stencils or templates, sieve like trays with different rangoli
designs on them to create instant rangolis; these have tiny holes along the pattern
outline, so that when the rangoli powder is spread over the pattern, only the rangoli
pattern gets transferred on to the floor instantly and neatly. There are also the
kolam/rangoli stickers which can be stuck on the floor, in front of the altar or on
the front doorstep. When these rangoli templates with various designs are used in
combination with the rangoli rollers, new rangoli designs get created.
Stencils for rangoli
There are also plastic and metal trays, stencils or templates, sieve like
trays with different rangoli designs on them to create instant rangolis;
these have tiny holes along the pattern outline, so that when the rangoli
powder is spread over the pattern, only the rangoli pattern gets
transferred on to the floor instantly and neatly.
Plastic stencil trays and pattern sieves
The plastic stencil trays come in different sizes; small ones with a single simple
pattern, or a border pattern and large ones with a bigger complex pattern.
The plastic stencil tray is placed on the floor. The coloured rangoli powder is put
into the stencil tray, and then spread with the fingers over the pattern with holes,
while holding down the tray firmly. Then the tray is gently lifted up taking care not
to smudge, leaving the dotted rangoli pattern on the floor.
Plastic pattern sieves
Circular pattern sieves come in small and large sizes with simple patterns and
complex designs.
Similar to the plastic stencil tray, the plastic sieve is placed on the floor and the
coloured rangoli powder is sprayed over it and gently dabbed down with the
fingers. The sieve is then carefully lifted up without smudging, leaving behind the
rangoli pattern on the floor.In this way a fast and instant rangoli gets created even
by a novice rangoli maker.
These rangoli templates with various designs when used in combination with the
rangoli rollers, and with some creative planning new rangoli designs get created!
To decorate the entrance and veranda I can not think anything better than rangoli.
Colors are an important part of India and Indian culture and tradition. It is one such
creative expression which is found in all parts of the country. Used mostly during
festivals, Rangoli is an art of making attractive, innovative designs on the entrance
of the house – as a symbol of welcoming guest.
The word Rangoli is derived from to the ancient language of sanskrit. The creative
expression of art through the use of Rang(Color)’ is ‘Rangoli’. Rangoli is an
intricate part of Indian culture and festivals. Throughout the country, it is named
differently according to the regional language. In North India, it is called
‘Chowkpurana’ whereas in the South it’s called ‘Kolam’. In West Bengal it is
called ‘Alpana’, in Bihar it is ‘Aripana’ and in Rajasthan it is called ‘Madana’.
Now-a-days, it is very simple to make rangolis, even if one is not an expert. Plastic
molds with ready made designs are available in all kinds of stores. Designs like
motifs, stars, flowers, birds and all kinds are there in all shapes and sizes. One can
combine 2 to 3 designs together with the molds and create a Rangoli pretty fast.
You only need to put some sand powder over the mold and press it on a floor base.
So next time, you feel like making a Rangoli is too much work, think again.
Besides, once you get the hold of making Rangolis, the creativity simply flows in
and the designs start taking its own shapes.
What does this documentary explore?
-Value and Respecting to Art and Traditions.
-Attention to this earth and floor art which is creating
beautiful patterns by hand .
- reminding there is no brush or tools in this art and just
FINGER !
-Finding out what is behind any believe and study about olden
believes.
-Review the compact of art and colors in our daily life.
Voiceover Audio Script
Music
00:00:03:14-00:00:57:00
Voice over 1
00:00:58:08-00:01:42:20
India has rich and powerful cultural value and Art, and it was blended with its
culture since it was originated. Rangoli is an art which has made each and every
Indian woman as an artist.it is believed that Goddess Laxmi resides in the house
where rangoli is made at the doorstep early morning and There will never be dearth
of food grains and shelter if Rangoli is there at the doorstep.Women will learn
Rangoli designs from their childhood onwards. Usually in villages men used to go
for work and women used to stay indoor and take responsibility of the home.
Voice over 2
00:01:45:12- 00:02:01:11
Rangoli , is a folk and natural Indian art, as sand painted design, is a Traditional
decoration and patterns made with ground rice, particularly during festivals like
Diwali, Holi, Ogadi,..
Interview-1
00:02:01:23- 00:02:11:14
Music
00:02:11:14-00:02:19:09
Interview-2
00:02:19:09- 00:02:59:19
Voice over- 3
00:03:01:01- 00:03:44:07
The use of colors that are pleasing to the eyes reflect her mental state of either
being vibrant, calm and civil. The design and color of the Rangoli play around
one’s mind and naturally make anyone calm and silent. A symmetrical design, with
the dots placed, with the connecting lines show how balanced and efficient a
woman is. . And yes, by mastering the patterns, one can master the mind too!
The designs drawn on the floor have a magical power. Thus, was born the time of
drawing patterns with dots and lines.
Interview-3
00:03:48:01- 00:04:20:22
Interview-4
00:04:20:22- 00:05:55:15
Interview-3 (part 2)
00:05:55:15- 00:06:44:16
Voice over- 4
00:06:46:16
women had something exciting to look forward to every morning when they could
compete with their neighbors in drawing better patterns...
Interview-4
00:06:58:05- 00:08:50:20
Voice over- 5
00:08:53:07- 00:09:15:21
The curves in a pattern if drawn artistically, again exhibit her artistic and feminine
bent of mind. Many patterns just go to show her willingness to learn new things.
An imaginative mind and a trained eye can actually discern the personality of the
person who has drawn a pattern.
Interview-5
00:09:19:18- 00:10:29:20
Voice over 6
00:10:31:06- 00:10:51:13
This practice not only cleans the portals of your home, but when drawn early in the
morning, shakes off sleep from the eyes, gives women something to look forward
to, excel and compete with their peers, and to master complicated and complex
designs.
Interview-6
00:10:51:13- 00:12:15:23
Music
00:12:15:23- 00:12:24:15
Interview-7
00:12:25:20- 00:12:43:24
Voice over 7
00:12:43:24 - 00:12:53:19
Now adays Rangoli is becoming use for competing and between new generation
It should follow and give value to it.
Music
00:12:53:19-00:13:13:13
Interview-8
00:13:13:13-00:13:37:04
Voice over 8
00:13:37:04- 00:14:04:24
While the ritual of Rangoli has faded from the modern-day home, it has been
replaced by a larger-than-life form for mass consumption. Instead of powders,
colors, Rangoli stickers are available in market and are quite a rage among young
people so they do ready made Rangoli which does not have any effects and no
signe of art !
Interview-9
00:14:04:24- 00:14:53:24
Music
00:14:53:24-00:15:28:22
Dual Video Script
Video
Audio
Time (mm : sec)
Bars and Tone
Tone
00:00:00:00-00:00:03:15
Music
00:00:03:15-00:00:07:20
Music
00:00:07:20-00:00:12:12
Music
00:00:12:12- 00:00:15:19
Logo-Bangalore
University
Logo-Garden city
College
Title
Title
00:00:15:19- 00:00:41:07
Video Rangoli villages
00:00:41:07-00:02:00:24
Interview-1
00:02:00:24-00:02:11:19
Video-colors shops
Music
Interview -2
Video – Rangoli
patterns colors dots
Interview-3
00:02:11:19-00:02:18:21
00:02:18:21-00:02:59:19
Voice over
00:02:59:19-00:03:47:17
00:03:47:17-00:04:21:02
Background music
Interview-4
Interview-5
00:04:21:02-00:05:55:08
00:05:55:08-00:06:45:05
Video Designs Rangoli
00:06:45:05-00:06:58:06
Interview - 6
00:06:58:06-00:08:50:24
Video close up shots
Rangoli
Voice over
Video running background
Interview - 7
Video Rangoli Jaya
Video of ants
00:09:19:13-00:10:30:22
Background music
Video running background
Interview - 8
Video- Cambrig
College
Voice over
Background music
00:10:30:22-00:10:51:13
00:10:51:13- 00:12:16:06
00:12:16:06- 00:12:24:22
Video running background
Interview-9
Video Competition
00:08:50:24-00:09:19:13
00:12:24:22-00:12:44:07
Voice over
Background music
00:12:44:07-00:13:13:07
Video running background
Interview-10
Video new apartment
00:13:13:07- 00:13:37:22
Voice over
Background music
00:13:37:22-00:14:05:08
Video running background
Interview-11
Credit-logo
00:14:05:08- 00:14:54:15
Music
00:14:54:15- 00:15:30:00
R e a l c ha r a c t e r s & o n ca m e ra i nterviews
Vidushi Asha
Jagadeesh
age group
45 -
55
age group
35 -
45
age group
45 -
55
age group
35 -
45
age group
20 -
25
age group
30 -
35
age group
25 -
35
age group
30 -
40
age group
20 -
25
age group
45 -
55
age group
20 -
25
Carnatic Music & Art Teacher
Prof.Chaya Devi H.B
Accounts & Finance
Yoga Practitioner
Shamal Jagirdar
Art Teacher
Divya
House Woman
Chaitra
Art Decorator Designer
Sangeeta
Working Woman
Bhagya
House Woman
Bharti Kukreja
Rangoli Artist
Poonam
Cambrige Students
Umesh Prasad
Art Counselor
Prya
Artist
Common masses
v o x - pops
REAL LOCATIONS
Bangalore city
Batrahalli area
Jaya Nagar
Commercial Street
Yelaha Hanka
Cambridge Institute of
Technology
TC Palaya
Garden city college
KR Puram Bazar
Villages
5th Block
Commercial Bazar
Yelaha Hanka area
KR Puram Main Road
TC Palaya Local erea
Office of the media expertise
A r c h i v a l Footage
Previous clips
Royalty free clips
Extracts from other known
works
Scanned copy of newspaper
cuttings (if any)
Bu d g e t
No expenses on Producer, director, camera person, script writer,
editor, animator and sound engineer as the film is entirely my
work.
Other expenses include the following:
Media & storage
Tape stocks
Hard drive
Backup archive media
Provided by college
"
"
Travel expenses
Bus fare
auto fare / cab fare
Location expenses
Bike Petrol
Rangoli Colors
Rs-/ 10 to Rs-/ 25( per ride)
Rs-/ 50 onwards( per ride)
Rs-/ 100 to Rs-/ 500(approx.)
Rs-/20 Per Litter
Rs-/50 1pack
Misc. expenses
Dvd , cds ,
Phone calls
Rs-/ 12 to 20(per cd/dvd)
Rs-/ 1 to Rs-/ 3(per minute )
Rights and legal fees
Logistics expences
Stipend to interviewees
Only if required
Rs-/ 10 to 300 (approx.)
n/a
Biblography
All that will be presented through this documentary will be real and
existing. Previous and earlier studies will be taken from the works of
specific documentary film makers with due permission. Internet sites and
clips (if any) will be mentioned with all due copyrights. Most of this
research is according to common people ideas and believes.
Music:
-Sudha Ragunathan-Ranjani Ramakrishnan - Morning Raga -Thaye Yashoda
-Siddhi Vinayakam _ Violin Duet { Carnatic Classical } - Full Video Song - By
Ganesh, Kumaresh
-Nagumomu Ganaleni - by Hamsadhwani Fusion Band
-Kalimba
Research Source links:
http://sureshg.wordpress.com/2007/05/17/secrets-behindrangoli-%E2%80%93-traditional-indian-art/
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/simple-rangoli-designs-forfestivel-season/
http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/south-indian-rangoli-designs/
http://guruprasad.net/posts/why-do-indians-draw-rangoliscientific-reason/
http://annapoornasrishti.blogspot.in/2014/01/significance-ofrangoli.html
http://www.indiamarks.com/rangoli-this-festive-season/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rangoli
http://www.indiaparenting.com/indianculture/70_1565/significance-of-rangolis-during-diwali.html
http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/rangoli
http://www.diwalifestival.org/the-tradition-of-rangoli.html