As the festival of Diwali approaches, the preference for eco-friendly rangoli has surged among shoppers, leading to a significant increase in purchases of these sustainable decorative art forms. Traditionally an essential part of Diwali celebrations, rangoli has evolved over the years, embracing modern styles and eco-friendly materials.

In the past years, rangoli was typically created using chalk, white-colour rangoli powder, and dots arranged in intricate patterns. Symbols like swastik, haldi-kumkum, and lakshmi chi paule were commonly used to adorn these vibrant designs. The festival would often commence with the drawing of rangoli in the courtyards near Tulsi Vrindavan, symbolising the start of the Diwali festivities.

In the wholesale market, the prices of rangoli materials range from Rs. 10 to Rs. 50 per kilogram, while small packets of rangoli colours can be found for Rs. 10 to Rs. 30. Additionally, there are packets of 12 different colours available for Rs. 150 to Rs. 200. However, in the retail market, prices usually start at a minimum of Rs. 10.

However, rangoli has undergone a transformation, with various innovative styles such as flower rangoli, floating rangoli, and nature scenes gaining popularity. Neon colours like dark orange, pink, red, and parrot green have become the trend, with rangoli artists using silver, gold, and red-coloured powders for added sparkle. The availability of ready-made rangoli stickers has provided a convenient option for those looking to decorate their entrances effortlessly.

Materials such as designed sieves, plastic angles, and dotting paper are now readily available in the market, enabling the creation of unique rangoli designs. Sanskar Bharati Rangoli, drawn with enthusiasm at cultural events, has also found its place during Diwali celebrations. This style involves drawing rangoli with equal enthusiasm using all five fingers of the hand.

Calligraphy, a familiar art form using brushes, pens, and sketch pens, has now found its place in the world of rangoli. "Shubh Labh" and "Shubh Diwali" can be elegantly written using this technique. Another creative approach involves creating a floating rangoli using charcoal powder and various decorations like flowers, fruits, and chalk.

Ready-made plastic stamps in the shape of lotus, Lakshmi's footprints, swastikas, elephants, and more are available in the market, allowing artists to create beautiful and intricate rangoli designs effortlessly.

Rangoli Prices:

- Simple rangoli: Rs. 20 to Rs. 50 per kilogram

- Colourful rangoli: Rs. 20 to Rs. 60 per half-kilogram

- White rangoli: 25-kilogram bag for Rs. 200 to Rs. 300

Materials:

- Rangoli pens of various sizes: Rs. 20 to Rs. 50

- Rangoli stamps (box types): Rs. 10 to Rs. 60

- Rangoli nets (various sizes): Rs. 15 to Rs. 250