Symmetry can also be a big component of rangoli. North India values large, flowing designs, whereas the Tamil version focuses on intricacy and symmetry. Whichever way you choose to go, make sure to pick a pattern that you love! One of the lovely things about rangoli is that it can be any size you’d like, and it can follow simple or complex patterns.
Keep in mind that you’ll be drawing the rangoli in chalk, which can smear easily, so practice creating your design from the top down if you can. This will make it less likely that you’ll rub the chalk away with your hand or arm as you complete the design.
If you’re putting the rangoli inside and have pets, you may want to make your rangoli on top of a table or somewhere it’ll be out of reach.
The chalk will end up being covered by the flowers, but the design will help you put those flowers in the right places to create your beautiful flower rangoli.
Each section of your rangoli will be decorated with a different type or color of flower. Even within a section, you could create lines and patterns by alternating the colors.
Wait to gather and trim the flowers until the day you make your rangoli. That will keep your flowers looking fresh and vibrant for longer.
It’s okay if the petals are a little uneven in size—they’ll all be mixing together in the design and chances are that no one will notice.
For example, if you create a flower-shaped rangoli, the center of the flower could be filled with red rose petals, which could then be circled by yellow mums, and each petal of the design could be filled with a separate type of flower.
Never leave lit candles unattended! Make sure to blow them out when you go to bed or leave the house.
Take the time to straighten up the flowers and petals if they get out of place. This will keep the design looking nice for the entire time it’s on display.
