rangoli

American  

[ran-goh-lee] / rænˈgoʊ li /

noun

1. a traditional Hindu decoration on a floor or other flat surface usually made of powder, such as colored or dyed sand, chalk, crushed limestone, or rice flour: A colorful geometric rangoli adorned the threshold.

   The arena in which the dance is performed is decorated with rangoli.

   A colorful geometric rangoli adorned the threshold.

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Etymology

Origin of rangoli

First recorded in 1880–85; from Marathi rãgoḷī, from Sanskrit raṅga “color” + āvali “line”

Example Sentences

Many also create traditional and colourful rangoli designs outside their doors to invite luck and positivity.

From BBC • Oct. 19, 2025

Many draw traditional designs like rangoli - made using colourful powders - outside their doors to welcome luck and positivity.

From BBC • Oct. 30, 2024

"She looked inside a bag of powdered color," a vendor laughed, pointing to a row of fluorescent sand, which is used for rangoli art.

From Salon • Oct. 14, 2024

Brightly colored rangoli designs are drawn at the entrances of homes and offices, which are decked in fairy lights.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 4, 2021

In recent years, kolam artists have adopted the multicolor tradition of the rangoli — though the change has been divisive, especially at kolam competitions in India.

From New York Times • Nov. 4, 2021