Rangoli is one of the most popular arts forms in India. It is a form of decoration
that uses finely ground white powder and colors, and is used commonly outside homes
in India.
Rangoli is known as Kolam in South India, Chowkpurana in Northern India, Madana
in Rajasthan, Aripana in Bihar, Alpana in Bengal, and Muggulu in Andhra Pradesh.
The earliest Indian legend of rangoli says that when the son of a king's high priest
died, Lord Brahma, asked the king to paint the image of the boy so that He may revitalize
him.
Rangoli has been developed as an art form - it is common to see very intricate street
painting (rangolis) with religious themes.