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Festival of Colors

Rangoli is a vibrant art form that holds a special place in the cultural tapestry of India. Students will learn about Rangoli designs and how they're used in the holiday celebrations of Diwali and Holi.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

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  • Sandpaper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Rangoli involves creating colorful patterns on the ground using materials such as colored rice, sand, flowers and/or chalk. The designs are often seen adorning homes to serve as a welcome to guests during celebrations of holidays such as Diwali and Holi. Have students learn about Holi, the Festival of Colors. What is its history? What does it symbolize? How are the colors associated with health? How is it celebrated?

  • Step 2

    Have students view images of Rangoli designs and traditional Hindu symbols. Then ask them to create a colorful Rangoli design using chalk on sandpaper. Alternatively, students can use chalk on brown paper that is lying over a textured surface, if sandpaper isn't available.

  • Step 3

    Have students display their Rangoli designs and talk about the meaning and celebration of Holi.

Standards

SS: Culture: Create, learn, share, and adapt to culture. 

SS: Individual Development and Identity: Describe factors important to the development of personal identity and the context of identity within families, peer or affinity groups, schools, communities, and nationalities. 

Adaptations

Read a book such as "Holi, the Festival of Colors" by Nick Sharma or "Crayola Holi Colors" by Robin Nelson. Discuss how colors can affect and influence our emotions and state of mind.

Have students explore other spring celebrations around the world, such as the Songkran Water Festival in Thailand or the Teotihuacán ritual in Mexico.