Rangoli has always been a symbol of religious and cultural beliefs and is believed to ward off evil. But, the most important reason for decorating rangoli outside one's home, is to welcome Goddess Lakshmi.

Rangoli can be of two types - dry and wet. Dry rangoli is made with natural or chemical colors, flowers and petals. Wet rangoli is done with the help of paints.

The most common traditional rangoli designs are lotus, flowers, geometric shapes, swastiks and Oms. Rangolis have always been a part of the Hindu culture since ages and have their mark in ancient history. Free hand rangoli which was once popular in rural Gujarat, is now catching up in urban areas too. Sangeet Pradhan a housewife says, "I love to make rangolis with natural ingredients - kumkum and turmeric. I prefer making free hand rangolis as they are more innovative, and I can try different designs every day."

Rangolis are not just limited to the floor, a lot of people make rangolis on water pots and on walls as well. Divya Kochar, a management student says, "I make rangolis on water pots by using flowers and petals. I also use floating candles to give that extra festive look. I love to experiment and do various kinds of designs during Diwali."

A lot of people prefer making stencil rangolis and because it's an easier option for many. Divya Poduval, a young professional says, "I prefer stencils because for someone like me who isn't very good at drawing free hand, stencils are a big help!"

Agrees Ruhi Gupta, a student when she says, "Stencils are easy to use and I don't end up making a mess of the entire rangoli."

So this Diwali, get set for a colorful time.

- Candles/diyas

- Wet cloth

- Chalk

- Small glass pieces

- A sieve (if necessary)

Colours - Chemical colours are also available in the market. Natural colours are also used. 

White - Rice powder

Yellow - Turmeric powder, dals

Red - Sindoor/rose petals

Green - Mint leaves or

coriander powder

Orange - Marigold petals

Brown - Cinnamon powder, beans

Black - Mustard seeds

Blue - Lavender flower petals

(You can use different flowers for rangoli)

- First wipe the floor with a wet cloth. This will make the colors stick to the floor and prevent them from spreading.

- Draw a border with the chalk around the area where the rangoli will be made.

- Choose a base colour and spread it using a sieve. See that the colour falls within the chalk border.

- Use your fingers to make the design that you want on the base color. For example you can make flowers, peacock or different geometric designs.

- If you are happy with the design that you have made, fill it with contrasting colors to make it stand out. If not, then you can refill the design again with the same color.

- Once you've filled the design that you made with your fingers, give a border to your rangoli with black, white or any other color of your choice.

- Decorate the rangoli with glass work and flowers to give it that extra appeal.

- Finish it off by embellishing the rangoli with candles, diyas and an idol of Ganesha or Lakshmi.