Rangoli is Expensive in UAE: Here is a Hack

Rangoli, a traditional Indian art form known for its vibrant colors and intricate patterns, can sometimes be expensive to create, especially in places like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the cost of materials may be high. However, with a little creativity and resourcefulness, it’s possible to enjoy the beauty of Rangoli without overspending. In this article, we will explore some cost-effective hacks and tips to help you create stunning Rangoli designs in the UAE while staying within your budget. These suggestions include DIY Rangoli powder, using natural elements, recycling materials, online tutorials, collaboration, and practice to master the art. By following these strategies, you can continue celebrating the spirit of Rangoli without worrying about the price tag.

So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective hack to create beautiful Rangoli designs, here’s a suggestion:

1. DIY Rangoli Powder: Instead of buying expensive Rangoli colors, consider making your own using everyday items. For example, you can use rice flour, semolina (rawa), or crushed colored chalk as a base for your Rangoli. Mix these with food coloring or natural ingredients like turmeric, henna, or beetroot juice to create vibrant colors.
2. Natural Elements: Look for natural elements like flower petals, leaves, and even spices like whole cloves, cardamom pods, or dried lentils to add texture and variety to your Rangoli. These items can often be found at more affordable prices compared to store-bought materials.
3. Reuse and Recycle: Save and reuse materials from previous Rangoli designs. Colored sand, rice, or flower petals can be collected and used again for future creations, reducing costs.
4. Online Tutorials: Explore tutorials and videos to learn different Rangoli designs and techniques. There are many free resources available that can help you create intricate patterns without the need for expensive classes or books.
5. Collaborate: Consider collaborating with friends or neighbours to share the cost of materials. You can create larger and more elaborate Rangoli designs together, making it a fun and cost-effective community activity.
6. Practice: The more you practice, the better you’ll become at creating Rangoli designs. Start with simpler patterns and gradually work to more complex ones, reducing the need for expensive materials.
7. Temporary Designs: Instead of creating permanent Rangoli designs on the ground, use a temporary surface like a cardboard or a wooden board. This way, you can reuse the materials and designs for multiple occasions.

By implementing these cost-saving hacks, you can continue to enjoy the tradition of Rangoli without breaking the bank in the UAE.

How to Convert Gulal into Rangoli

Holi, often leaves us with an abundance of colorful Gulal powder. Instead of storing it away until the next Holi, why not repurpose it into beautiful Rangoli art? Converting Gulal into Rangoli is a creative and eco-friendly way to add charm to your surroundings.

If you’re looking to give gulal a more coarse or “sugary” texture to make it easier to spread for rangoli or other purposes, you can try the following methods:

1. Mix with Rice Flour or Semolina (Suji):
   • Take equal parts of gulal and rice flour or semolina.
   • Mix them thoroughly until you get a consistent texture.
   • This will give the gulal a grainier texture, making it easier to handle and spread.
2. Mix with Fine Sand:
   • You can mix gulal with wonderful, clean sand to give it a grainier texture.
   • Ensure the sand is free of impurities and is sieved to get only the finest particles.
3. Air Drying:
   • Sometimes, moisture can make gulal clump together and become very fine.
   • Spread the gulal on a tray and let it air dry for a few hours. This can help reduce the moisture content and make it more coarse.
4. Mix with Salt or Sugar:
   • Though not a common practice, you can mix gulal with fine salt or sugar to give it a grainier texture.
   • However, be cautious if you use this mixture for rangoli outdoors, as it might attract ants or other insects.
5. Use a Binder:
   • Mixing a small amount of a binder like white glue or craft glue with gulal can give it a slightly thicker consistency.
   • This method is more suitable if you’re using gulal for craft purposes rather than for rangoli.

Remember always to test a small batch first to see if the texture fits your liking. Adjust the ratios as needed based on your preference. Once you’ve achieved the desired texture, you can use the modified gulal for your rangoli or other artistic endeavours.

Converting Gulal into Rangoli is a delightful way to extend the vibrancy of Holi and add a dash of color to your everyday life.