Rangoli & Flower Carpets-old

ABOUT FLOWER CARPETS

A flower carpet is a design made on the ground with flowers or flower petals arranged in patterns. Flower carpets are called catifes de flores in Catalan, Spain, alfrombras de flores in South America, infiorata in Italy and Hana no Juutan in Japan.

One of the most popular flower carpet events is the Flower Carpet biennale in Brussels in which volunteers from around Belgium convene at the Grand-Place/Grote Markt, the historic centre of the city, to weave a carpet-like tapestry out of colourful begonias or dahlias. The event takes place every other August, coordinating with Assumption Day, and lasts for three to four days. Nearly a million flowers are required to create the ephemeral 1,800 m2 (19,000 sq ft) carpet.

In Europe, the Feast of Corpus Christi originated in the 13th century and at that time people used to hang flowers outside their doorsteps and this slowly evolved into flower carpets which are now used not only for Corpus Christi but for all other occasions. Closer to home Japan, Korea and Taiwan also celebrate flower carpets because of the blossoming of beautiful flowers in spring. . In India flower carpets are popularly drawn in Kerala during Onam and are called Athapookalam.

The Art of Flower Carpets Around the World

THE WORLD OF RANGOLI

Rangolis (also known as Kolam, Muggulu, Poo Kolam, Alpana etc) are best described as Indian courtyard paintings or doorstep paintings and are ornamental designs with symmetrical and geometrical shapes. The addition of colours makes it bright and colorful and brings a happy and joyous feeling to the drawer as well as to the viewer. Rangoli art is believed to be more than 5000 years in India and many different folklores and beliefs are attributed to the origin and practice of Rangoli.

In South India Rangoli or Kolam is generally drawn daily at dawn wherea In other parts of India Rangolis are drawn on all festive occasions like Deepavalli, New Year, weddings, childbirth, birthdays etc. Rangolis are traditionally drawn using rice grains, flour, sand or chalk. In Kerala it is called Athappookkalam and drawn during Onam festival using fresh flowers. Rangoli designs are usually taken from nature using plants, trees, birds and animals as their themes. Peacock is the most commonly used symbol in Rangoli as it is considered very auspicious as it is a harbringer of rain. Rangoli drawing develops mathematical, artistic and creative skills, bonds with Nature (plants, fish, animals are used) and develops physical fitness due to constant bending and drawing.

An exquisite tapestry of global artistry

ABOUT FLOWER CARPETS

The Art of Flower Carpets Around the World

THE WORLD OF RANGOLI

Our Rangoli Masterpieces