How do you play Rangoli?

Rangoli is not a game but actually an artistic style or activity among all of India, not just for Saliyar communities.

Rangoli is an art form, consisting of colorful geometric patterns created on the ground, usually inside homes or on their doorsteps. They are made by women of the household, as expressions of their artistic devotion and love for their household, during specific religious activities such as pujas & marraiges and festivals such as Diwali. Rangoli artwork is made using colored powder, colored rice, or rice paste, and is intentionally non-permanent in nature. Rangoli is a cultural and religious aspect of Indian Hindu life.

Rangoli patterns are very similar to the Mandala designs created by Bhuddhist monks, but tend to be smaller - usually a square-meter at most. Often several rangolis are made in different parts of the house, and can be made by one or a group of women together.

Rangolis are not made to be art, in the western sense of that word, and are not made for oneself or for others. They are a way to channel energies in the person who is creating them (similar to the notion of mental discipline and focus, but very devotional). They mark a specific place on the ground or sometimes on a wall, to allow positive forces or avatars of God to come to that place. It is a way to prepare or purify a place for one of God's avatars (e.g. the Goddess Laxmi) to appear.

It is also beautiful to see, especially as they are being made. They are often very mathematical, and some even resemble Celtic art.

Rangoli traditionally are made by joining many dots in various designs and are then decorated with colourful rice powder. The dots in the Rangoli symbolize the challenges we will face in life. We must patiently and bravely face these challenges to lead a life beautifully like Rangoli.