Spectacular Rangolis welcome the New Year

THANE: Spectacular rangolis studded with novel shapes, colour themes and auspicious signs have become a special attraction of each year's Gudi Padva Swagatyatra. This year, Rangavalli Pariwar gave a visual treat by drawing a 16,000 square feet size rangoli at Gaondevi Maidan. Since currently the cricket fever in the nation is at its peak, Sanskar Bharti volunteers showed relevance by drawing world cup in the center of their 80x80 feet rangoli at the New English school grounds.
Hundred Rangavalli artists toiled hard to complete their huge rangoli within eight hours. It required 1000 kg. White rangoli powder and 1000 kg. colours. The rangoli is a beautiful combination of traditional auspicious signs and free hand shapes.
Ved Katti, founder of Rangavalli and leader of the group said, "Every year we introduce a novel design of rangoli that varies in shape, colour schemes and designs. We use eco-friendly colours and none of our artists have ever faced any trouble due to it. To get optimum results systematic planning of work is essential. Last two months our team has been planning for this rangoli. The first step was to draw every detail of the rangoli on the paper. We trained our volunteers in specific signs, designs and distributed their work of area. That is the reason that we could complete the work precisely within scheduled time."
In the past ten years, Rangavalli has trained 20,000 people from all age groups in the art of rangoli. Said Katti, "Rangoli is a symbol of auspiciousness that provides a chance of self expressions to the artist. In the past it was a custom to draw a rangoli in the courtyard of every home but now most of the ladies are working and due to the fast lifestyle the art was on the verge of extinction. But many people did fruitful efforts to propagate the art in the society and now on auspicious ceremonies and functions people have started drawing colourful rangolis that pleases the eyes and create festive atmosphere. We organize regular rangoli work shops to carry this heritage to young generation."
Sanskar Bharti aims to unite people through arts. For their eye catching rangoli 35 artists worked for six hours using 300 kg. White rangoli and 250 kg. colours. Chitra Joshi, secretary of SB said, "We have drawn warli motifs on the border of this rangoli. It comprises glimpses from tribal life that includes wedding ceremony, harvest season and others. Citizens also appreciated our idea of drawing the world cup in our rangoli."