Rangoli Making Competition

(Rules and Regulations)

1. Introduction and Historical Context

Rangoli, known across India as a vibrant expression of folk artistry, is an ancient floor art form made using powdered colors, flower petals, rice flour, grains, pulses, or natural materials. Traditionally drawn at thresholds and courtyards during festivals and ceremonies, Rangoli is more than decoration—it is a cultural prayer, a welcome, a symbol of harmony, and an offering of beauty.
The Modern Pythian Games revive this art in a global competitive spirit, recognising Rangoli and its worldwide counterparts as a profound visual celebration of cultural identity. Through this competition, the Games aim to foster intercultural exchange, appreciation of indigenous art, and peace-building through aesthetics.

2. Global Equivalents and Reach

Similar floor or decorative art traditions exist worldwide, showcasing how this artistic impulse transcends borders. Some of the known variations include:

• Kolam (Tamil Nadu, India)
• Alpana (Bengal, India)
• Mandana (Rajasthan & MP, India)
• Chowk Purana (Uttar Pradesh & Bihar, India)
• Sathiya or Saathiya (Gujarat, India)
• Jhoti or Chita (Odisha, India)
• Aripana (Bihar, India)
• Muggulu (Andhra Pradesh & Telangana, India)
• Kōlam (Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore – Tamil diaspora)
• Dtalai (Thailand – Buddhist traditional art)
• Sand Mandala (Tibet, Bhutan, Mongolia)
• Podnizhnik (Russia – Slavic floral & symbolic folk designs near icons)
• Flower Carpets (Belgium, Guatemala, Italy, and Latin America)

Rangoli-style decorative traditions or floor art can be found in over 25 countries, connecting diverse cultures through artistic expression rooted in community rituals and spiritual heritage.

3. Vision of the Modern Pythian Games

The Rangoli Making Competition, as part of the Modern Pythian Games, seeks to: Promote Rangoli as a cultural art globally.
Encourage the revival and innovation of traditional arts.
Offer a competitive yet peaceful platform for intercultural expression. Unite artists through creative participation in a global celebration of culture.

4. Age Categories

Participants shall compete in the following divisions:

• Sub-Junior: 8 to 12 years

• Junior: 13 to 17 years

• Senior: 18 to 25 years

• Open: 26 years and above

5. Eligibility Criteria (Applicable to all competitions)

• For national/state-level events: Participants must be citizens or residents of the respective country for at least one year.
• For international competitions: Open to global participants from any nation.
• Valid age and ID proof is mandatory.
• Minors must submit parental/guardian consent.
• Kindly read all event-specific criteria carefully.

6. Participation Format

On-Site Competitions
• Pre-registration is mandatory.
• Participants must carry all required materials (unless specified otherwise). Each participant will be allotted a dedicated space.
• Time Duration: 90 minutes to 2 hours
• Judges will evaluate work on-site after time ends.
Online/Photo/Video Submissions
• Participants must register online and submit the following:
• High-resolution photographs of the final Rangoli.
• Short video (30–60 seconds) showcasing the making process (if required).
• Theme description in 50–100 words.
• Bio-data form and signed consent declaration.

7. Rangoli Design Guidelines

Size Limit: Between 3x3 ft and 5x5 ft (as specified per event). Theme-Based Designs: Participants may choose from or be assigned themes such as:

• Indian Heritage
• Festivals & Celebrations
• Unity in Diversity
• Nature & Environment
• Peace & Global Harmony
Allowed Materials:
• Colored powders, flower petals, pulses, grains, sawdust, rice flour, sand, or eco friendly substances
• Use of natural, biodegradable materials is encouraged.
Prohibited:
• Pre-drawn outlines or printed patterns.
• Stencils or mechanical aids.
• Use of paints or synthetic substances (unless eco-friendly).

8. Judging Panel Composition

• 3 to 5 Judges per competition, drawn from diverse backgrounds:
  • One expert in visual/fine arts.
  • One traditional folk or cultural heritage artist.
  • One invited guest from design, décor, or architecture.
• Preliminary and final rounds may have different panels, based on event size.

9.Judging Criteria (Total: 100 Marks)

• Creativity & Originality – 25 marks
• Visual Appeal & Colour Harmony – 20 marks
• Neatness & Finishing – 20 marks
• Theme Relevance – 20 marks
• Material Use (eco-friendliness/tradition) – 15 marks

10.General Rules & Legal Safeguards

Conduct Rules:

• Designs must be original and created independently by the participant.
• No offensive, political, or inappropriate content is allowed.
• No external assistance permitted during creation.
• Late arrivals, incomplete work, or rule violations may lead to disqualification.
Copyright and Consent:
• Participants retain full ownership of their artwork.
• Organisers receive non-exclusive rights to:
  • Photograph, document, and archive the work.
  • Publish or promote artwork (with due credit).
  • Exhibit entries in future events or online showcases.
Consent Declaration:

“I certify that this Rangoli design is created by me. I grant the organisers non-exclusive rights to promote, publish, or exhibit it with due credit.”

Disqualification Grounds:
• Plagiarism or copied artwork
• Use of digital or mechanical tools
• Violation of themes or material rules
• Receiving help during competition
Dispute Resolution:
• Jury decisions are final and binding.
• Any grievances will be handled by the internal committee.
• Legal disputes will fall under the jurisdiction of the organizing body.

11.Awards and Recognition

Winners in each age category will receive:

• Gold Medal + Winner Certificate
• Silver Medal + Runner-up Certificate
• Bronze Medal + Merit Certificate