This is a picture of rangoli colours packed by my sister in Nagpur . There have been many queries as to where I get the colour rangoli powder for my colourful rangoli designs I make for Diwali and New Year.
So I wanted to share this , when I shared in on my Facebook Page - Rangolisansdots many viewers wanted to know the price and wanted for them also. I was overwhelmed .
Actually my sister purchases these colours from a place called Koradi outside Nagpur , it is 16 km from the city , I understand.
When she goes to the Mahalakshmi temple , she purchases rangoli colours for our relatives.
She brings them home and dries the colours in shade. Then packs them in small packets and distributes among our relatives. Some she keeps for herself also. As I have disclosed earlier she is my guru for kolam . Of course for all of us, our mother is the first guru.
She usually sends it by courier or brings along with her when she comes to my place. Since it is gift, I have not asked the price and so I do not know the price.
The colours from this place near Nagpur are very beautiful , in different shades. The flow is very good and they do not stick to our fingers. So I always prefer them because I have been used to this quality which I consider to be the best , for a long time. I do not try any where else.
The response was so overwhelming on Facebook , I did not expect it , frankly , that I had to write another post offering my apologies for my inability to be of help of present in procuring the rangoli colours . Diwali festival decoration is around the corner , so naturally ladies are need of colours for their designs and these colours are really awesome , I must say.
The next photo shows the rangoli colours being dried in shade before being transferred to plastic covers for distribution among our relatives. This was shared by my sister on Whatsapp.
I use this ready made colors for Diwali or Sankranti ( Pongal ) and do not mix anything else with it.
So far as the white rangoli powder is concerned, I share how I prepare it.
I use white rangoli powder that is available with any local vendor. I sieve it well so that the coarse particles are filtered. Then I add rice flour to the white rangoli and mix well.
The ratio of white rangoli to rice flour is 3:1 i.e for three parts white rangoli , I add one part rice flour.
After mixing thoroughly , I use it for drawing the rangoli before colouring or for traditional designs in which we normally do not add colours.
The advantage of using this mixture is that the good qualities of the rangoli powder ( we call it kola podi or kola maavu ) and rice flour with regard to rangoli making are obtained.