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.

---

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

Where: Pioneer Elementary School, 2010 Shady Willow Lane, Brentwood Diwali celebrations will include food vendors, music, dance, and arts and crafts booths — as well as traditional Rangoli displays.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

"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

Rangoli — ornamental chalk drawings — adorned the clean-swept floors.

From New York Times