Diwali – the festival of lights – is celebrated with much fervor and joy by Hindus all around the world. Apart from decorating houses with colorful lights and diyas, creating elaborate rangolis is an important ritual of this festival.

Rangoli is a form of art in which beautifully colorful and intricate patterns are drawn on the floors inside homes as well as on the pavement outside and filled in using colored rice flour, colored rice, colored sand or real flowers.

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Drawing rangolis on the day of Diwali is also a way of seeking blessings from the gods and goddesses. As easy as it may appear to be, rangoli-making is no cakewalk. It involves meticulousness and will put your motor skills to the test drawing clean shapes with dry flour and filling them up precisely with colors.

Make rangolis this Diwali to brighten and liven up your home
Make a beautiful rangoli this Diwali to usher in wealth and prosperity for the coming year

Whether you are a beginner or a pro, making rangolis certainly requires patience and creativity. However, you need not be disheartened if you want to make a rangoli but lack an artistic flair. There are a number of hacks you can use to make lovely, symmetrical rangolis with minimal effort. In fact, you can also check out our DIY decoration ideas to brighten up your homes this Diwali.

We bring to you some really cool ideas for making rangolis using homemade colors, DIY stencils for that extra helping hand, and some nonconventional types of rangolis.

Read on to learn DIY easy hacks to make stunning rangoli designs this Diwali.

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Method 1: DIY Rangoli Color

Traditional rangoli designs are made with rice flour or rice grains that are colored at home using either organic products like turmeric powder, vermillion and others, or food coloring – an easier option, of course. They are then used to make stunning rangoli designs on the floor in the house or the pavement outdoors.

We used powdered food coloring on rice flour, and liquid colors on rice grains, which need to be dried first.

# Using Rice Flour

Things you’ll need:

Things needed to make DIY rangoli colors using rice flour and powdered food coloring

  • Rice flour
  • Powdered food coloring of your choice

Single-Step Method: Mix food coloring powder in the rice four

Combine food coloring powder and ground rice flour to create beautiful colors for your rangoli
Combine food coloring powder and ground rice flour to create beautiful rangoli colors
  • Start with 2 tablespoons of rice flour in different containers for each color you want to make. You can increase the quantity of flour according to your needs.
  • Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of food coloring powder into 2 tablespoons of rice flour. Since there is no science behind it, you can increase the quantity of the coloring powder until you get the desired hue and intensity.
  • Repeat the same process using the other colors to get instant rangoli colors.
Mix and make several vibrant shades to enhance your rangoli
Mix and make several vibrant shades to brighten up your rangoli

# Using Rice

Things you’ll need:  

Things needed to make DIY rangoli colors using liquid food coloring in a spray bottle

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  • Rice
  • Liquid food coloring in a spray bottle

Single-Step Method: Spray food coloring on the rice grains and let it dry

Spray liquid food coloring into rice and mix well; spread over a newspaper and let it air-dry
Spray liquid food coloring into a bowl of rice and mix well to get uniform color
  • Put some rice in a big bowl.
  • Spray the liquid food coloring into the bowl. Continue to stir the rice as you spray it to spread the color evenly.
  • Once you are satisfied with the shade of the color, spread the rice over a newspaper and allow it to air-dry completely.
  • Make several batches using different colors.
  • Collect the colored rice in bowls and get set to create colorful rangolis.
Color rice in several shades to make bright and beautiful rangoli designs
Color rice in bright and vibrant shades to make eye-striking rangolis this Diwali

Method 2: DIY Rangoli Stencils

If you find yourself artistically challenged but aspire to make a fine piece of art, worry no more. We are here to help you with simple ways to make stunning rangoli designs using DIY stencils. These stencils can be made using paper, disposable paper plates or mosquito-repellant coils. Never thought of the last one? Scroll further to see how it’s done.

# Paper

Things you’ll need:

Things needed to make DIY rangoli stencils using paper

  • Thick paper (A3 size)
  • Scissors
  • Pencil

Step 1. Fold the paper in half twice

Fold the paper in half twice and press down to get sharp edges
Fold the paper in half twice and flatten it down to get sharp edges
  • Begin with folding the paper in half crosswise.
  • Fold the paper in half again, as shown in the image above.

Step 2. Draw the design and cut it out to create the stencil

Fold it diagonally and press to get sharp edges: trace and cut out the desired pattern
Fold it diagonally and press to get sharp edges: draw and cut out the desired pattern
  • Then, fold it diagonally.
  • Press down the folds to get sharp edges.
  • Draw the shape near the edge where all the folds meet, as shown in the image above. There are plenty of shapes available online. If you are a beginner, choose one that is easy to follow, such as the one above.
  • Using scissors, cut along the drawn lines to create the stencil.
Open the folds to see your beautiful rangoli stencil
Open the folds to reveal your simple but elaborate rangoli stencil
  • Once done, open the folds to reveal your stunning stencil.

Step 3. Secure the stencil on the floor and fill the cut outs with colors

Use double-sided tape to fix the stencil on the floor and start filling in the colors
Use double-sided tape to fix the stencil on the floor and fill in the colors; then slowly peel off the stencil
  • Use small pieces of double-sided tape to secure the stencil to the floor.
  • Begin filling the cut out areas with the colors of your choice. You can either make your own colors as described in Method 1, or get ready-made ones from the market.
  • Once you’ve filled up all the cut outs, slowly peel the stencil off the floor.
Use paper stencils to create stunning rangoli designs this Diwali
Use DIY paper stencils to create stunning rangoli designs this Diwali

 # Disposable Paper Plate

Things you’ll need:

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Things needed to make DIY rangoli stencil by using a disposable paper plate

  • Disposable paper plate
  • Permanent marker
  • Ruler
  • Toothpicks

Step 1. Draw the pattern on the plate

Use a marker and ruler to draw a floral pattern on the paper plate
Using a marker and ruler. create a floral pattern on the disposable paper plate
  • Use the ruler and permanent marker to draw the floral pattern on the plate, as shown in the image above.

Step 2. Perforate the drawn shape

Use a toothpick to poke holes along the drawn lines and your DIY stencil is ready for use
Using a toothpick poke holes along the drawn pattern and your DIY stencil is ready for use
  • Use a toothpick to poke holes along the drawn lines. Your DIY stencil is ready to be used.

Step 3. Sprinkle rice flour over the perforated plate

Sprinkle plain or colored rice flour over the poked holes and lift to reveal the pattern beneath
Sprinkle plain or colored rice flour over the holes and lift to reveal the beautiful pattern beneath
  • Place the plate inverted on the floor.
  • Sprinkle plain or colored rice flour over the holes of the stencil.
  • Carefully lift the stencil off the floor.
  • Place a diya in the middle of the rangoli to add decoration.
Place and light up a diya in the middle of this simple but beautiful pattern to decorate your home
Light up a diya in the middle of this beautiful pattern to decorate your home this Diwali

# Coils

Things you’ll need:

Things needed to make DIY Diwali stencils using mosquito-repellant coils

  • Rangoli colors
  • Mosquito-repellant coils

Single-Step Method: Sprinkle colors over coils to create spiral designs

Place the coils in the desired pattern and sprinkle rangoli colors between the gaps in each coil
Place the coils in the desired pattern; sprinkle rangoli colors in between the gaps and lift gently
  • Place the coils, which serve as stencils, on the floor according to the pattern you wish to create.
  • Sprinkle the rangoli colors between the gaps in each coil, as shown in the image above. Use different colors for every other coil.
  • Once done, gently lift up all the coil stencils.
  • Decorate your spiral rangolis by placing a diya in the middle.
 Place a beautifully colored diya in the middle of your stunning rangoli for greater effect
Place a beautifully colored diya in the middle of your stunning spiral-patterend rangoli

Method 3: DIY Rangoli Design

It’s time to don your creative hat. Use vibrant rangoli colors to create some awe-inspiring yet easy-to-make rangolis described in this section. If you find making your own rangoli colors cumbersome, you can simply get ready-made colored sawdust or sand from the market.

Also, apart from the basic colored rice flour and grains, you can make stunning rangoli designs with fresh flowers. Bright flowers add more real colors to your rangolis and also leave your room smelling great.

If you wish to take it a step further, we’ll also show you how to use colored rhinestones and pearls to create a more permanent rangoli. Excited? Check out the detailed steps below.

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# Using Colored Rice

Things you’ll need:

Things needed to make beautiful rangoli design using colored rice

  • Multi-colored rice
  • Sketch pens

Step 1. Draw a design on the floor and fill the center with colored rice

Use sketch pens to create stunning rangoli designs on the floor
Use sketch pens to create stunning rangoli designs and start filling the center with colored rice
  • Using a sketch pen, draw the outline of the design on the floor.
  • Now, you’ll fill up the shapes with various colors of rice. Make sure you stay within the lines when filling up the shapes. If you find it difficult to precisely sprinkle the rice with your hands, you can use a paper cone as a funnel to neatly fill up the shape.
  • Begin at the center and fill up the innermost circle with yellow rice.
Fill up the second and third circles using red and green colored rice respectively
Fill up the second and third circles using red and green colored rice for a vibrant look
  • Fill the next circle with red rice, followed by green rice for the third circle.
Fill the outer portions of the petals with yellow rice and use green for the inner sections, red rice for the outilne
Fill the outer portions of the petals with yellow rice; use green rice for the inner sections and red rice for the outline
  • Start filling up the outer portion of the petals with yellow rice.
  • Fill the middle of each big petal with green rice, as shown in the image above.
  • Create a wide outline around all the petals using red rice.
Finish with a yellow line; place a blue dot between each petal to create a beautiful rangoli design
Finish with a yellow line; place a blue dot between each petal to create a stunning rangoli design
  • Finish the rangoli by giving the design a thin yellow outline.
  • Finally, add blue dots between the petals to add more color.
Make this at the entrance of your home to wow and stun visitors on arrival
Make this at the entrance of your home to wow and stun visitors on arrival

# Using Fresh Flowers

Things you’ll need:  

Things needed to make vibrant DIY rangoli design using fresh flowers

  • Marigold flower petals – 2 colors
  • Rose petals
  • Tuberose flowers

Step 1. Create a colorful round rangoli with layers of different flower petals

Begin by making a small circle of rose petals; follow it up with a layer of dark marigold petals
Start with small circle of rose petals; follow it up with a layer of dark marigold petals
  • Start by making a small circle with rose petals.
  • Encircle the rose petals with a thick layer of dark-colored marigold petals.
Create a third layer by filling alternate section with marigold and rose petals; repeat to create a rose and marigold circle
For the third layer fill alternate sections with marigold and rose petals; repeat to create circles
  • Create a third layer by placing rose and marigold petals alternately in the same line. See the image above for reference.
  • Add another thick layer of dark marigold petals.
Add more layers of light and dark marigold petals; use tuberose flowers in the outermost layer
Add more layers of light and dark marigold petals; place tuberose flowers in the outermost layer
  • Continue to extend the design to the desired size by adding more circles of rose and marigold petals, respectively.
  • Finish up the design by placing tuberose flowers over the outermost layer.
  • You can use your creative liberty here to use more of the white flowers to create contrast.
  • Place a diya in the center of the flower rangoli to brighten it up.
Create a fresh and fragrant all-natural rangoli design for your home this Diwali
Make a fresh and fragrant all-natural rangoli for your home this Diwali

# Using Rhinestones and Pearls

Things you’ll need:

Things needed to make stunning DIY rangoli design using rhinestones and pearls

  • Rhinestones (round and drop-shaped in 2 colors)
  • Pearl strings (3 types, varying in pearl size)
  • Pencil
  • Glue
  • White sheet of paper (A1 size)

Step 1. Draw the rangoli outline on a large white sheet of paper

Draw circles and petals by using stencils on a large white sheet of paper to create a stunning floral rangoli pattern
Draw circles and petals on a large white sheet of paper to create a stunning floral rangoli design
  • Draw a circle in the center of the sheet. You can use any circular container and trace around it.
  • Draw a smaller circle inside the first circle.
  • Make drop-shaped petals around the circle to create a floral pattern.

Step 2. Glue the rhinestones and pearl strings on the drawn outline

Glue on rhinestones and pearl strings on the circles as shown
Stick on the blue rhinestones and golden pearl strings on the circles as shown
  • Apply glue on the back of each drop-shaped stone and place it around the innermost circle. Continue adding stones until you’ve covered the circumference.
  • Outline the stones with a golden pearl string. Refer to the image above.
Add round pink rhinestones around the center and drop-shape rhinestones for the petals
Glue on a layer of round-shaped pink rhinestones after the golden pearls; use drop-shaped stones for the petals
  • Glue on a layer of round-shaped stones alongside the gold pearls.
  • Glue drop-shaped stones on each of the petals, as shown in the image above.
  • Leave the tip of each petal open. It will be filled in later using round stones.
Add the thinnest golden string of golden pearls to form the inner outline of the petals
Glue on the thinnest string of golden pearls to form the inner outline of the petals
  • Apply glue along the inner line of the petals.
  • Stick the thinnest pearl string on the glue line.
  • Repeat the same for every petal.
Create small floral pattern using rhinestones and golden pearls inside each petal
Create small floral designs using different rhinestones and golden pearls inside each petal
  • Using glue, stick small floral patterns of stones in the middle of each petal.

  • Close the tip of each petal by placing a round stone, followed by a drop-shaped stone with its tip pointing outward.
  • Finish up the rangoli by gluing a pearl string along the outer lining of the middle circle.
  • Allow the glue to dry completely.
  • Decorate the kundan rangoli by placing a tealight in the center.
Finish off your stunning kundan rangoli by placing a tealight in the center
Add a final touch to your stunning kundan rangoli by placing a tealight in the center

# Using Colored Sawdust

Things you’ll need:

Things needed to make pretty DIY rangoli design using colored sawdust

  • Ready-made colored sawdust

Single-Step Method: Draw a rangoli outline and fill it up with different colors

Draw a stunning rangoli design on the floor and fill it up with vibrant shades of colored sawdus
Sketch a stunning rangoli design on the floor and fill it using vibrant shades of colored sawdust
  • Select the design you wish to make and draw its outline on the floor. You can use sketch pens or chalk to draw the outline.
  • Fill up the circles and petals in the design using colors of your choice.
Impress people with your stunning rangoli-making skills this Diwali
Awe people with your excellent rangoli-making skills this Diwali

Tips

  • When making rangoli colors, remember to wear gloves to avoid staining your hands.
  • To make a rangoli, draw a rough outline first on the floor. Once you are sure of the shape, refine the outlines and then begin filling it with colors.
  • When making colored rice flour, add about 2 tablespoons of table salt to the rice flour to get a grainy texture.
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