{"id":293,"date":"2025-10-10T18:56:45","date_gmt":"2025-10-10T09:56:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/?p=293"},"modified":"2025-10-12T16:25:08","modified_gmt":"2025-10-12T07:25:08","slug":"kolam-rangoli","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/2025\/10\/10\/kolam-rangoli\/","title":{"rendered":"K\u014dlam, Rangoli, M\u0101ndan\u0101, Alpon\u0101 \u2013 Mystical Floor Art Found Across India"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\"><strong>K\u014dlam<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I grew up in a Tamil household. Being the older child, it was my duty every morning to wipe all the doorsteps clean with a wet cloth and make k\u014dlam patterns with dry rice flour on each doorstep. Something similar to what is shown in the video below, though not quite as elaborate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Tuesday threshold kolam ##muggulu #rangoli #shorts #viral #trending #easy #daily #art #best\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kY9zNc90qPM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>K\u014dlam (meaning patterns or beautification) is not just an ancient artform, but also a vibrant living tradition in south India. K\u014dlam is mentioned in Tamil literature through the ages, going as far back as the Sangam era (300 BCE \u2013 300 CE). Most south Indian households still draw simple k\u014dlams on doorsteps and outside homes on a daily basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"470\" height=\"351\" src=\"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-294\" srcset=\"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image.jpeg 470w, https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-300x224.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 470px) 100vw, 470px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Loop-pattern sikku k\u014dlam; Photo by Arulraja, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The k\u014dlams in the picture above are called <em>sikku-k\u014dlam<\/em> (loop k\u014dlam). These can range from simple to highly intricate. Notice that all the loops in these k\u014dlams are closed, with neither beginning nor end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is based on the idea that unbroken or continuous lines are auspicious, both locking in prosperity and keeping out negative energies. Here is another example of a <em>sikku k\u014dlam<\/em>, drawn with a single uninterrupted line that ends where it began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\u0b95\u0bc1\u0b9f\u0bcd\u0b9f\u0bbf \u0b95\u0bcb\u0bb2\u0bae\u0bcd \ud83c\udf3a easy sikku kolam design \ud83c\udf3a #kolam#rangoli #muggulu #ytshorts #shortsfeed\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/SeL6zbSCnw4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Lotus petals are also a common motif. The k\u014dlam in the video below is called <em>sahasradala padma<\/em> (thousand-petalled lotus). Again, notice the absence of open-ended lines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"SAHASRADALA PADMA KOLAM | LOTUS WITH THOUSAND PETALS\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-DnKo5dk44Y?start=15&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to dry k\u014dlams made of flour, there are wet k\u014dlams made with rice paste, called <em>ezhai k\u014dlam<\/em> or <em>m\u0101 k\u014dlam<\/em>. These can be made on dry floors and will last longer once dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"maakolam \/\/ ezhai kolam iyengar padi kolam \/\/ wet rice flour padi kolam\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9o_F6z-nwr4?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>During certain parts of the year (especially around the Sankranti festive season), there are k\u014dlam competitions. Women take part in these competitions by drawing intricate and creative k\u014dlams outside their homes that are then judged by a neighborhood panel of judges and awarded prizes. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is a competition entry featuring a beautiful chariot, probably from somewhere in Andhra Pradesh, where k\u014dlams are also called \u201c<em>muggulu<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"AAA Rangoli compitition # Muggula poti.\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/k3y1nQHq7qM?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\"><strong>History of Floor and Wall Art in India<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>K\u014dlam is practiced widely and on a daily basis in south India, but similar traditions exist across the Indian subcontinent under different names.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>M\u0101ndan\u0101, chauk p\u016bran\u0101, alpon\u0101, aripan, aipan, jhoti-chita, p\u0101khangb\u0101, s\u0101thiy\u0101, muggulu \u2013 these are local-language names for an ancient k\u014dlam-like tradition of home decoration through floor and wall art, primarily in red-and-white colors, practiced across the length and breadth of India right since ancient times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To understand the background to these traditions, you have to understand the landscape of rural India \u2013 red soil rich in iron ore (ochre), dwellings primarily made of mud, and a dry climate for the best part of the year (in most parts of India, it only rains during the Monsoon season). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mud houses are typically plastered to prevent the mud from drying out and crumbling or turning into loose dust. The plaster is made by mixing mud with cow dung, which acts as a natural binder, improving the plaster&#8217;s strength and durability. Cow dung is also known to have antimicrobial properties, which sterilizes the home and keeps insects away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In village homes, a fresh plaster is typically applied once every week or so, and white designs are made on the freshly plastered floors and walls to beautify and brighten up the home, making it more pleasant to live in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Historians have reason to believe that this tradition of floor and wall art goes back to prehistoric times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Can This Ancient Art Save Rajasthan\u2019s Culture? Vidya Devi Soni\u2019s Mandana Art Journey\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bxwMM0BlJvY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Documentary on m\u0101ndan\u0101 floor art and its history<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In urban settings these days, fewer people follow these ancient practices as part of daily life (south India is an obvious exception). Instead, they are reserved for special occasions, such as festivals or religious ceremonies. In some cases, these household traditions have evolved to become folk arts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\"><strong>Common Features of Floor Art Across India<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Home decoration itself is not unique to India. But floor and wall art practiced by communities across the Indian subcontinent \u2013 even communities geographically far removed from each other \u2013 share too many features for it to be mere coincidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Closed Lines<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ancient Hindu texts (the Vedas, Tamil Sangam literature, the Pur\u0101nas) all talk of \u201cuninterrupted lines\u201d as being auspicious, warding off negativity, and locking in well-being and prosperity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps these lines were originally drawn around dwellings, as sacred borders that acted as charms to protect the inhabitants from dangers lurking outside (something like a \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Lakshmana_rekha\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lakshmana rekha<\/a>\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In order to be effective, such border lines had to be uninterrupted, without any breaks or gaps. Over time, the idea may have taken on a more metaphysical aspect, with designs that had no open-ended lines being considered auspicious and protective even if they were not enclosing the home. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Closed patterns, therefore, tend to be a common feature of traditional floor and wall art across the subcontinent. Of course, over time, traditions do get corrupted as people forget their origins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Red and White Color Scheme<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another common feature of floor and wall art across India is their red-and-white color scheme. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Soil in most parts of India is rich in iron ore and, therefore, ochre tinted. So are mud huts and homes made using this soil. Limestone (chalk) is widely used as both plaster and to make designs on walls and floors, creating a naturally red-and-white color scheme. Turmeric and various other natural pigments may be used for variety, but the primary colors are white and ochre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even in non-rural settings, where houses are not made of mud, this ancient color scheme has been kept alive by giving it a religious meaning. For instance, white can symbolize peace, while red symbolizes prosperity. Another interpretation is that the combination of red and white symbolizes fertility (white symbolizing Lord Vishnu, and red symbolizing his wife, Goddess Lakshmi).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Similar Motifs<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apart from abstract geometric patterns (circles, squares, triangles, loops, mazes), religious symbols (lotuses, swastikas, conch shells, the footprints of Lakshmi and Vishnu), and nature (vines and tendrils, flowers, leaves, fishes, animals, birds) are commonly seen in floor and wall art across India.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\"><strong>Floor Art from Different Parts of India<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Since I have already introduced k\u014dlam and <em>muggulu<\/em> from south India, let me focus on the other parts of India in this section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\"><strong><em>M\u0101ndan\u0101<\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh in western and central India, floor and wall art is called \u201cm\u0101ndan\u0101,\u201d meaning \u201cdecorating,\u201d and is typically made using a wet paste of limestone for white and ochre clay for red.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Mandana | Rajasthani Art | Tribal Art #shorts #indianart #rajasthani #tribalart #art\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Bc3HdfIS7xE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rajasthani village m\u0101ndan\u0101<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Chauk P\u016brana<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab, the tradition of decorating courtyards or p\u016bja altars with white flour paste or dry flour on special or religious occasions is called \u201cchauk p\u016bran\u0101\u201d or \u201cfilling in a square.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Village Chauk design || village chok rangoli design || Chauk making in angan || \u0917\u094b\u092c\u0930 \u0938\u0947 \u0932\u0940\u092a\u0947 \u0918\u0930 \u092e\u0947\u0902\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/HYHbug_rAwE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Village courtyard chauk p\u016bran\u0101<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\u092c\u0939\u0941\u0924 \u0939\u0940 \u0938\u093f\u092e\u094d\u092a\u0932 \u0914\u0930 \u0906\u0938\u093e\u0928 \u0924\u0930\u0940\u0915\u0947 \u0938\u0947 \u0906\u091f\u0947 \u0938\u0947 \u091a\u094c\u0915 \u092c\u0928\u093e\u092f\u0947 \/\u091a\u094c\u0915 \u092a\u0942\u0930\u0928\u093e \/\u0906\u091f\u0947 \u0938\u0947 \u091a\u094c\u0915 \u0915\u0948\u0938\u0947 \u092a\u0942\u0930\u093e \u091c\u093e\u0924\u093e \u0939\u0948\u0964\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/RCKTzq9K6-k?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Square altar with dry flour for performing p\u016bja<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Alpan\u0101, Alpon\u0101, Aripan, and Aipan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Alpan\u0101, alpon\u0101, aripan, aipan \u2013 these may be corruptions of the Sanskrit word \u201c\u0101limpan\u0101,\u201d meaning to plaster or paint. Another possibility is that they come from the word \u201c\u0101li\u201d meaning \u201cdyke,\u201d thereby relating to the protectively encircling quality of such art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In West Bengal, Assam, Tripura, Uttarakhand, and Bihar, red and white alpan\u0101 are drawn on doorsteps, courtyards, walls, floors, and outside homes, especially on festive and special occasions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\ud83c\udff5\ufe0f Simple alpona design #alpona #alponadesign #laxmipuja #diwali #shorts\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Fuj8C6tHobQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Doorway alpon\u0101 design featuring Lakshmi\u2019s footprints<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Alpona  Video.Village Style Mud-Wall Alpona. Mud House Alpona . Alpona Style.  Sohali Pramanik Arts\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IVUjTK1UYjU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Vines and tendrills in alpon\u0101 wall art<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Aipan uttarakhand&#039;s tradition to welcome God...#Aipan #art #uttarakhand #mandir\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bE8oBg86yc0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traditional red-and-white aipan on floor and walls of a temple in Uttarakhand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Traditional Maithili Airpan for Devuthan Ekadashi | Maithili Rituals | This is Mithila\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jmGKn5K5dDE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Maithili festive floor aripan with rice paste on red ochre backdrop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Gurubara jhoti chita #gurubarajhotichita #chitta jhoti #gurubarjhoti #mana osha gurubar jhoti\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/n4biybtLA2k?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">In Odisha, alpon\u0101 is called \u201cjhoti chita\u201d<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"504\" height=\"337\" src=\"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-295\" srcset=\"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-1.jpeg 504w, https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-1-300x201.jpeg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 504px) 100vw, 504px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Special Sankranti alpon\u0101 in Tripura. Photo by Srimanta Ray, <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\/deed.en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\">P\u0101khangb\u0101<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>P\u0101khangb\u0101 is a dragon or serpent deity in&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Sanamahism\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sanamahism<\/a>, the indigenous religion of Manipur in northeastern India. In ritualistic art, he is shown in a coil, with his tail in his mouth, forming a complete loop, representing the eternal cycle of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"341\" src=\"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/512px-Flag_of_Manipur.svg_.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-301\" srcset=\"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/512px-Flag_of_Manipur.svg_.png 512w, https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/512px-Flag_of_Manipur.svg_-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Flag of Manipur, featuring P\u0101khangb\u0101<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>P\u0101khangb\u0101 is symbolically drawn on the floor using rice paste during Manipuri festivals and religious ceremonies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\"><strong>S\u0101thiy\u0101 and Gahuli<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>S\u0101thiy\u0101 (aka Gahuli) are maze-like designs created using rice flour or unbroken rice grains as offerings during religious ceremonies. This tradition is practiced by both Jain and Hindu communities in Gujarat. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Jain Gahuli \/\/ Swastik \/\/ Simple Gahuli Design \/\/ Easy Gahuli Making #gahuli #jainmedia\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/7QmyoWASfJQ?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"# short #Shorts #gahuli #jainart #swastik #youtube #youtubeshorts\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ou99ixnlA9M?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Rangoli, Pookalam, Vy\u016bg<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In some parts of India (Maharashtra, Karnataka), the word rangoli is used to refer to floor art similar to k\u014dlam, m\u0101ndan\u0101, chauk p\u016bran\u0101, or alpon\u0101, but rangoli is typically more colorful floor art made using flowers or colored powders on special or celebratory occasions. The word \u201crangoli\u201d comes from the Sanskrit word \u201c<em>ranga-vall<\/em>i,\u201d meaning \u201ccolored vine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Festival Flower Rangoli using Samai #youtubeshorts\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZhK6s4kubS8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Festive flower rang\u014dli<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Other similar traditions are pookalam, colorful flower-petal patterns made on the floor during Onam celebrations in Kerala, and vy\u016bg, an ancient Kashmiri Pandit wedding ritual of making colorful circular designs with colored flour or petals to welcome the bride and groom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Friday&#039;s Onam Pookalam\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/OXm5BcxnjnI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Onam pookalam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\"><strong>Buddhist Mandala Art<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>I can hardly end this article without mentioning Buddhist mandalas, even though the ritual purpose of creating floor art is quite different in Buddhism compared with Hinduism and Jainism, despite shared origins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In both Hinduism and Jainism, ritualistic floor and wall art serve as charms to protect the home and bring prosperity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Buddhism, mandalas symbolize the world or the universe. They are painstakingly made as an exercise in meditation, and then ritually destroyed as an exercise in detachment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Meaning of Mandala \ud83c\udf3b #drsurendrakc #durgaprasai #gaganthapa #nepal #nepali #mandala #mandalaart\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/l436_hzG8bo?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Making and ritually destroying a mandala in Tibetan Buddhism<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-large-font-size\"><strong>India is a Cultural Continuum<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>India&#8217;s diversity is quite obvious, making some people question whether we are even a nation. But right under the surface lies a profound common thread of culture and tradition that weaves the subcontinent together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This unity is no accident. The geography of the subcontinent, encircled in the north by the towering Himalayas and in the south by vast oceans, creates a self-contained space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"277\" height=\"265\" src=\"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/image-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-90\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For millennia, people here have interacted with each other while remaining somewhat shielded from external influences, giving Indians a distinctive shared identity unmistakable to any outside observer. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What do red-and-white floor and wall art with closed geometrical motifs found across India symbolize? <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":295,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[25,39,18,31,1,40,20,7,163,6],"tags":[172,171,173,183,169,170,178,177,58,43,165,164,174,166,182,168,181,184,175,180,167,176,179],"class_list":["post-293","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-art","category-buddhism","category-culture","category-hinduism","category-history","category-jainism","category-practices","category-puranas","category-sangam-literature","category-vedas","tag-aipan","tag-alpona","tag-aripan","tag-buddhism","tag-chauk-purana","tag-chowk-purana","tag-floor-art","tag-gahuli","tag-hinduism","tag-india","tag-indian-art","tag-jainism","tag-jhoti-chita","tag-kolam","tag-mandala","tag-mandana","tag-manipur","tag-meena-art","tag-muggulu","tag-pakhangba","tag-rangoli","tag-sathiya","tag-wall-art"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/image-1.jpeg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/293","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=293"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/293\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":334,"href":"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/293\/revisions\/334"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/295"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=293"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=293"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/india-insights.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=293"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}