Std 5 English · Unit Four

33. Rangoli

Complete textbook exercise solutions — Maharashtra State Board (Balbharati), Grade Five English.

1Guess the meaning of the following words.

pleasing: giving a sense of satisfaction or pleasure; attractive and beautiful.
finely: in a very small, crushed, or powdery form (smoothly ground).
magnificent: extremely beautiful, elaborate, or impressive.
coarse grained: consisting of rough, larger grains or particles rather than a smooth powder.
beautify: to make something more beautiful or attractive.
fragrant: having a pleasant, sweet smell.

2Answer the following questions.

(1) What does 'Rangaawali' mean?
The word 'Rangaawali' consists of two words: 'rang' meaning 'colour' and 'aawali' meaning a row or vine.

(2) Where is Rangoli usually drawn?
Rangoli is usually drawn on the walls or the floor of the house, in the courtyard, or right in front of the doorstep.

(3) What is used to make Rangoli designs?
Rangoli designs are made using finely ground white powder and different coloured powders, often supported by coarse-grained powders like sand, marble dust, sawdust, or rice grain powder for a good grip. Flowers and leaves are also used nowadays.

(4) What are the common Rangoli designs or motifs?
Common Rangoli designs and motifs are based on nature, such as mango leaves, creepers, lotus and other flowers, swans, peacocks, fish, and other animals. They also include geometrical patterns, free-hand drawings, and fancy shapes.

(5) What different names is 'Rangoli' known by in different regions?
Rangoli is known as Chowkpurana in Uttar Pradesh, Mandana in Rajasthan, Muggu in Andhra Pradesh, Alpanaa in Bengal, Aripanaa in Bihar and Uttaranchal, Kolam in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and as Rangoli in Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

3Make a collection of Rangoli motifs and patterns. Write about each motif or pattern in your own words.

This is a creative project activity. You can draw or paste pictures of different Rangoli patterns in your notebook and write short descriptions like the model below.

Collection of Rangoli Motifs:

Lotus Motif: A symbol of purity, beauty, and auspiciousness. It is often drawn at the centre of a circular Rangoli.
Peacock Motif: Represents grace and majesty. Its beautiful feathers are filled with bright blue, green, and yellow coloured powders.
Dot-Grid Pattern (Kolam): Made by connecting a systematic grid of dots with smooth, continuous loops and curves without touching the dots.
Diya Motif: Commonly drawn during Diwali to signify the triumph of light over darkness and to welcome guests warmly.

← 32. Helen Keller