Rangoli Making National Competition by JK Arts Foundation
JK Arts Foundation organised a Rangoli Making National Competition so that the children of Jammu and Kashmir would celebrate the Amrit Mahotsav and get enrolled into our 'Unleash Your Inner Artist' program.
Amrit Mahotsav is an initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 years of progressive India and the glorious history of its people, culture and achievements.
‘Unleash your inner artist’ program of JK Arts Foundation is designed to harness the transformational power of the arts to inspire and discover the inner artist in every child. The main aim of this training program is to enable children to discover their creative expressions, become confident and optimistic to bring a positive change in their homes, neighborhoods and communities.
The two opportunities (Participating in Rangoli Making National Competition and getting enrolled into Unleash your inner artist’ program) helped the children to showcase their creative skills and they were also presented with a chance to win prize money. They also became an important part of the art movement (JK Arts Foundation) built on the premise that every child should be able to learn art, regardless of their socio-economic background.
History and background of Rangoli
Rangoli is an ancient Hindu art form, with its origin in India. Derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Rangavalli’, Rangoli means rows of colours, and is drawn within the homes, courtyards and sometimes even on walls, to celebrate various auspicious occasions. Rangoli is mostly made using materials like rice powder, brick powder, chalk powder, flower petals and coloured sand. The Rangoli designs vary from region to region in India and are also called by different names.
The significance of Rangoli in Kashmiri Pandit Culture
For Kashmiri Pandits, Rangoli is a rich tradition that is made during the marriage ceremonies. Rice powder, turmeric, Surkhi (red brick powder), vermillion (Sindoor ) and dyed sawdust are used to make the Rangoli.
Rangoli, a circular pattern drawn on the ground on which a Kashmiri bridegroom has to stand before entering, for his marriage, the house of the bride, is a direct descendant of Bhumisobha mentioned in the Nilamata Purana. Kashmiri Pandits draw Rangoli using colors and making geometrical designs and patterns. A circle is the basic geometrical pattern in Rangoli. This circle is filled with images of flowers and leaves . An image of an earthen lamp or Diya is also drawn .
At the time of the marriage, the bridegroom is made to stand on the Rangoli (both at the time of departure from the house or at the time of entering back to the house with the bride) and something sweet is offered to him and the bride by some close elderly woman relative. Women sing traditional Vanvun and dance around the Rangoli for prosperity and happiness of the couple
What went on at the JKAF’s Rangoli making competition
Though the children who participated in the Rangoli Making National competition admitted that it was difficult for them to arrange synthetic colours, they got creative and used rice grains and other waste material to draw the Rangoli. They enjoyed the creative challenge and had fun playing with colours and textures. It was a first-of-its-kind Rangoli making activity performed in the Kashmiri Muslim homes, as never before have the young muslim generation engaged in the cultural activities of their Pandith brethren that has lived in Kashmir for thousand of years.