How to Make Rangoli with Colored Rice

Rangoli is a traditional Hindu art form from India where a symbolic design is created on a floor, either inside or outside, using materials like rice, wheat or rice flour, colored sand or even flower petals. It is usually created for holidays like Diwali and other special occasions. Rangoli are used for decorations and thought to bring good fortune. Traditional designs range from simple basic geometric designs to elaborate depictions of flowers, birds, deities, etc. Often a design will be passed down in a family from one generation to another.

Traditionally, colors were created using natural materials. Today, rangoli powder can be purchased that has been colored chemically. The design is created by drizzling the powder on the work surface using the thumb and first finger. Funnels can be used to add detail. These are temporary designs and are not affixed to the work surface with any kind of adhesive.

NOTE: We are using rice colored with food coloring to create our rangoli. Many people have concerns that uncooked rice can hurt birds. We have extensively researched this urban legend and have found this is not true. According to the Audubon Society, “Uncooked rice is not harmful (to birds). Uncooked grains are a staple for the diet of species of many birds.”

How to Make Rangoli with Colored Rice Materials

rice
food coloring
Ziploc bags
chalk
pattern (optional)

How to Make Rangoli with Colored Rice Directions

Check out rangoli designs on the internet or books. We have included a pattern simple design for inspiration. Pick one you like or design your own. We highly recommend you start with a simple design with large open areas.

Start by coloring your rice. For our design we place 2 cups of rice into 6 different Ziploc bags, using a total of 12 cups of rice. In each bag we added 2 teaspoons of liquid food coloring. Seal the bag and shake the rice until the rice is evenly covered. Empty rice on paper plates to dry. We also used 4 cups of white rice.

Using chalk, draw a design on a flat surface. We did ours on the drive way.

Begin with the center of the design and work your way out. We started by outlining each part of our design with white rice, then filling in the design with colored rice.