Archive · 2 Aug 2025
Rangoli: Unveiling Self-Awareness and Mindfulness through Art
Rangoli, also known as kolam or muggu, is an art form using patterns and shapes.
These designs can be found in nature and may have a deeper meaning.
Making muggu can help you understand yourself better.
It was also a way for people to come together and create art in the past, building community.
It's like doing yoga for your mind, helping you focus and relax.
To get started, try simple designs first and remember it's about balance.
Rangoli patterns (kolam or muggu) are observed in nature, with potential metaphysical relevance.
Muggu can be a foundation for self-awareness, helping people reconnect with themselves.
Community muggu-making encouraged socialization and collective co-creation in the past.
Practicing muggu can be meditative and improve concentration, like 'mind yoga'.
Beginners should start with simple patterns, focusing on balance and letting go.
- Who
- Sumathy Ramalingam, Dr. Ramalakshmi, Sapna Vedula, and Varalakshmi Vedula (Lakshmi aunty) are involved in practicing and promoting muggu.
- What
- Rangoli patterns, including kolam and muggu, are traditional art forms.
- When
- Community kolam-making happened in the past, and individual practice happens now.
- Where
- These practices originate from South India but are now practiced worldwide, including in the US.
- Why
- Muggu is practiced for self-awareness, community building, and to improve concentration, and promote mindfulness.
Practices of Muggu
Mindfulness
Challenges
Practices of Muggu
Some believe the knots represent life's problems that one should avoid.
Mindfulness
Others see the knots as challenges that, when understood, provide sense and meaning to life.
- Origin
- South India
- Practiced by
- Sumathy Ramalingam, Dr. Ramalakshmi, Sapna Vedula, Varalakshmi Vedula
- Benefits
- Self-awareness, community, concentration, stress relief
- Related terms
- kolam, muggu, chikku, sikku
- Materials used
- Rice powder