RangoliDiwali rangoli designs
On Diwali evening a rangoli at the door welcomes Goddess Lakshmi and every guest who follows her in. These designs use the motifs of the festival: the lotus, the diya and the footprints that lead into the house.
When and where to draw it
Many families draw a fresh rangoli on each of the main days, from Dhanteras to Diwali, and the largest one on the evening of Lakshmi Puja. The usual places are the main doorstep, the courtyard, and the floor in front of the puja place. A small design at the door with footprints leading in, and one large design in the open space, is a plan that works for most homes.
Rangoli and diyas
- Draw the rangoli in daylight and place the diyas at dusk. Colours are hard to judge by lamp light.
- Put diyas on the drawn diya shapes or between the outer petals, on a flat part of the floor.
- Keep lit diyas away from curtains, door mats and the edges of sarees and dupattas, and out of the reach of small children.
- LED tea lights are a safe choice on stairs and in corridors.
If you have only half an hour
Choose the eight petal flower or the Lakshmi footprints, add the lotus bud border on two sides, and finish with four diyas. A small design drawn neatly looks better than a large one drawn in a hurry.
Questions people ask
Which rangoli is best for Diwali?
Designs with a lotus, diyas or Lakshmi footprints are the traditional choices. Pick the size by the time you have: a small neat design is better than a large rushed one.
Which way should Lakshmi footprints point?
Into the house. They show the goddess walking in, so the toes point away from the door towards the inside.
Can I make the rangoli a day early?
Yes, if the place is sheltered from wind and feet. Cover it loosely with newspaper overnight and add the diyas and any flowers on the day.
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