Creating rangoli designs does not just bring me sheer joy, it’s almost my raison d’être. I discovered this talent when I was just seven years old, while growing up in my hometown in Tamil Nadu.

My first canvas was the street. I would spend hours bent over its tarred surface, while making the most beautiful rangoli designs on the road using rice flour. I graduated to being invited to create rangolis during festivals, and I can still hear my mother yelling at me, ‘How long are you going to put rangoli?’

I did not hone this talent in a formal way and graduated in commerce. I went on to become a dutiful wife and a busy mother. Both these roles come with considerable responsibilities but I made time for my art by making rangolis and sewing. I have also made candles during Christmas, created glass paintings, and done the occasional canvas painting.

When I moved to Mumbai in 1973, a social worker chanced upon my rangoli design outside my neighbour’s home. He was so impressed that he asked if I would create the same design for his community temple. The appreciation I received motivated me to start creating rangolis on a bigger scale and in more prominent places.

I don’t accept payment for my work as it is an honour for me to be invited to create my designs in esteemed places. The only time I accepted payment was for a design I created for a professional event at the Godrej corporate office. Actor Vidya Balan had recommended me after she saw the rangoli I had created at her father’s office inauguration. In recent times, I believe my art has become quite bold. I create these designs all over town now, during festivals, showcasing them on temple stairs, roads, outside my front door, my neighbour’s door… anywhere I find open space!

During Christmas, I set up nativity scenes, featuring multiple gods at home. I have made rangolis of Christmas trees and Santa Claus. I even made a peacock design when I visited my son in New Jersey—at his home, his friend’s home, and in the community centre nearby. His friends who came over and saw the rangoli asked me to recreate the designs for them too. I think they all missed home and the rangoli helped them connect with their roots in a foreign land.

I am 62 now and will keep making these designs till my strength permits. My next assignment is a rangoli at Sharada Mutt in Chembur. I have received a text message from them saying my previous design has been washed away owing to cleaning and I am excited to try out a new one!

—Rajarajeshwari Ganeshan, Mumbai

Photos: Rajarajeshwari Ganeshan
Featured in Harmony — Celebrate Age Magazine
March 2018