Bahrain: Rangoli Competition at Bahrain Kannada Sangha
Report by Ronald D.F. D’Souza and Joe Andrade – Daijiworld Media Network
(Input by Mrs. Lolakshi Rajaram)  

Bahrain, Sep 27: A Rangoli competition was held at the Cultural Hall of Bahrain Kannada Sangha recently for its members.  A total of 9 ladies participated.

Rangoli or Rangavalli is a form of folk art.  In this we can find all the qualities of great artistic creations.  Rangoli is not only decorative in its design but also highly communicative in its execution.  This is a form of appeasing God.  Pleasantness, blessedness and auspicious moments are represented in the form of this art.  On occasions like rituals, festivals, poojas and also during the visit of great people to a town, Rangavallis are drawn on the streets in front of the houses.  By arranging a few fundamental units of designs, thousands of Rangolis can be created.  Some of the well-known designs of Rangoli like Kalasha, Kolam, Srichakra, Mandana, Tulsi, etc are drawn on auspicious days.  It is believed that Rangoli art brings good fortune.  Married women draw Rangoli in front of their door steps each morning. 

The contest was judged by the following:

Mrs. Kundan Shah
Mrs. Asha Srinivas
Mrs. Sonal Kaushik

Pallavi Raghunath was declared as the winner followed by Lolakshi Rajaram in 2nd place and Shalini Shetty in 3rd place.

The Krishna Group of the Club consisting of Chethana Hegde, Vijaya Satyanaran, Naveen Shetty, Sudheer Shetty and Sayyed took the responsibility of organizing the contest.