Divali, the Hindu festival of lights, falls on Saturday 17th October 2009 (Friday 5th November 2010). Celebrate it with the children by making a traditional Indian rangoli pattern.
Rangoli are traditional patterns used to decorate homes on special occasions. You can easily make a version with your children.
Divali rangoli patterns
1. Draw an outline motif on a paper plate – perhaps a geometric pattern or a picture inspired by nature such as a leaf or flower.
2. Cover a section of your design with glue and use dried lentils, rice, peas or beans** to fill the area.
3. Cover each area of the motif in turn with glue and use different coloured lentils, peas or beans to make up your decoration.
4. Allow to dry, gently shake off any loose beans/ rice and then display your rangoli around the house.
**Take care with any un-cooked pulses as they can be toxic if eaten**










































OMG – HOW awesome is this!!!!!!
We have a rangoli post coming up too

So thrilled!!
Thanks for sharing
XOXO
Great to link up with you again Maya.
[...] The Hindu festival of Diwali is being celebrated next week (5th November 2010) and I always think observing celebrations from other counties and cultures is such a fun and accessible way for children to learn more about the world. A tradition you can try at home for Diwali is making rangoli patterns. This version is a great sensory activity too as the children can explore all the colours and textures of the grains you use. Pop over to our Diwali archive to find out how to make the rangoli pattern. [...]
We did this today and I have linked my post to this post. Thanks for the lovely, fun idea.
Hi Phyllis – it was a great idea of yours to use spices too. I bet they smell as good as they look.
[...] Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, to your home by making your own rangoli design to hang by your door. Draw an outline motif on a paper plate – perhaps a geometric pattern or a [...]