Rangolis From Around the World – Wrapping Up the Diwali-week; Welcome Thanksgiving!

Friends, the Diwali-week is almost over. We celebrated each day in simple, artful, fun ways and created dozens of memories with family and friends.

What struck to me about this Diwali was that I got to read and know about Diwali celebrations from different geographies and cultures. Isn’t it heartwarming to know people across the globe connecting with each other by trying to understand and celebrate other cultures and festivals.

Some of my blog readers/friends shared pictures of their Diwali rangolis. Some folks from outside India were eager to know more about the festival and how it’s celebrated through the week.

I’m sharing rangoli contributions from some Mommy Labs readers/friends, including a few that we made since I shared that floating rangoli of ours. Also, reflecting on what I’m thankful for this moment…

Artful Diwali from Friends of Mommy Labs

This lovely Leaf Rangoli was shared by my dear friend – Liz of  ’Small Hands in the Big World‘. She wrote to me: 

We are “adopting” Diwali, India’s magnificent Festival of Lights, into our traditional North American celebrations. Honoring other cultures and enjoying their lovely rituals helps children feel more connected to the rest of the world and part of a global community.

And this play doh rangoli is by the creative Roopa at Putti’s World! So out-of-the-box to use play doh for rangoli, isn’t it? You can ‘like’ her facebook page to get more such artful updates.

This pretty rangoli is made by Pari’s “best friend” Ananya (in the pic above) and her mom Kaajal. Pari and Ananya are really close to each other and share a sister-like bond! They often do art together at our place.

And, this abstract mixed-media rangoli is made by a friend’s wife, Payal Gupta – from Balasore in Orissa (Eastern part of India). My friend, Harsh Gupta, told me this was inspired by our Nature Table.

A lovely blog reader, who’s in India for the past one year, sent me this paper rangoli. She made with her son by drawing out the design on paper over which she lined glue and then sprinkled coloured sand. Much like how we made the rangolis for Holi.

She sent another rangoli picture – in a French School.

And this delightful rangoli was made by Anitha – my sis-in-law in Bangalore. So neat and the colours I loved – especially the two hues of green…

This gorgeous rangoli was made by my creative photographer brother and prolific food blogger bhabhi (sis-in-law) using flower petals and rangoli powder.

I made this on Diwali evening – outside our entrance.

Made this spiral rangoli today afternoon – just before our meditation at the Nature Table. 

And this paper rangoli – Pari and I made it – at the beginning of the Diwali week.

I drew it out with pencil and then lined with white glue. Pari sprinkled colourful glitters over it.

Laying the path to welcome Goddess Laxmi…

Pari making rangoli with coloured sand. Doing this out of small bottles is easy and fun.

A Rangoli Every Day of the Year?!

You know what, I’ve made at least one rangoli this whole week. The way a simple rangoli can light up the home environment and invite good vibes and positive energy, I feel I should make a rangoli every day of the year. Not a big deal, really. All I need is some rangoli powders or flower petals or even leaves. Hey, even tempera paints will do. Don’t you think so?

Diwali truly lighted up our lives by inspiring us to spend a lot of time in each other’s company…

With Thanksgiving less than a week away – on Nov. 22 – I’d like to reflect on what I’m thankful for right now…

And, I know – it has to be these two beautiful souls, who are ever so loving, patient, joyful, funny…

And, NEVER complaining.

I actually want to write my thankfulness list, like I did last year. Need to find some quiet time to think and reflect.

What are you thankful for today….?

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Tagged as: art with family, art with leaves, Diwali art ideas, flower rangoli, leaves rangoli, play doh rangoli, rangoli ideas for kids