I've always been fascinated by the charm and beauty of rangolis (also known as kolams). Created on the floor or ground using materials such as coloured rice, flour, sand, chalk or flower petals, these lovely art forms come alive during Diwali, when Indians all over the world celebrate the story of King Rama's return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon, Ravana, or in short the story of the triumph of good over evil. Mainly created by householders at the entrance of their houses, these rangolis are believed to ward off evil forces and attract Goddess Lakshmi (the Goddess of Wealth) to enter their homes.
I took these pictures at a shopping mall where the rangolis were much admired by shoppers, many of whom stopped to take photographs. Interestingly, the word rangoli means "a row of colours".
A bright and joyful Deepavali to everyone out there!
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