Dhanteras is a festival that initiates the grand celebration of Diwali. Individuals create beautiful patterns known as Rangoli outside the door of their houses. They do this to invite good fortune, prosperity (Goddess Lakshmi), and good health (Lord Dhanvantari). Following are a minimum of 7 simple and pretty Rangoli designs that can be prepared for Dhanteras:
1. Lakshmi’s Footprints (Lakshmi Paduka) Design:
Make simple footprints that move into your house, from the entrance towards the central prayer space.
Colors: Outline with white rice flour and fill them in with auspicious red or yellow colored powder. This is a direct representation of inviting the Goddess of Wealth into your home.
2. The Auspicious Swastika and Om Design:
These are simple, strong, and easy to sketch. Sketch a big $\\omega$ (Om) symbol in the middle. In the four corners surrounding it, sketch a simple $\\psi$ (swastika).
Colors: Paint the symbols bright red, as it is a sacred color. Yellow or orange can be used to create a small circle border around the symbols.
3. The Pot of Wealth (Kalash) Design:
Draw a simple pot shape (Kalash). Draw a few round shapes that resemble golden coins spilling out from the top of the pot.
Colors: Use colors such as gold, yellow, and red. You can use gold glitter powder to give the coins a shining effect. The Kalash is an emblem of abundance and prosperity.
4. Simple Diya (Lamp) Circle Design:
This is a very easy and fast design. Draw a small circle in the center. Then draw some easy flame shapes or small outlines of diyas around the circle.
Colors: Employ red, orange, and yellow to depict the light. You can put a real burning clay lamp at the center and on every small outline to finish the design.
5. Lotus Flower (Kamal) Design:
The lotus flower is a personal favorite of Goddess Lakshmi. Begin with a center circle and draw rounded, simple petal shapes all around it. Make the petals simple for a simple design.
Colors: Pink, white, and green (for leaves). A single, simple lotus at the entrance is extremely elegant and gives good vibes.
6. The Peacock Feather Design:
You don’t need to sketch the entire peacock. One or two simplified, large peacock feathers with an ‘eye’ in between is sufficient. The shape of a feather is long and simple.
Colors: Shades of royal blue, green, and a small amount of gold or yellow for the center. It provides beauty and poise to your Rangoli.
7. Corner Geometric Design:
If you have fewer spaces, use the corners of the doorway. Sketch simple geometric designs such as triangles, squares, and half-circles that sit well in the corner.
Colors: Select two or three colors that contrast each other, such as blue, pink, and white. This design appears neat, sleek, and not time- and space-consuming.
