Rangoli, also known as kolam or Muggu, is a folk art from India in which patterns are created on the floor in living rooms or courtyards using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals. It is usually made during Diwali, Onam, Pongal and other Indian festivals. They are meant to be sacred welcoming areas for the Hindu deities. The ancient symbols have been passed down through the ages, from each generation to the next, keeping both the art form and the tradition alive. Similar practices are followed in different Indian states: in Tamil Nadu, there is Kolam in Tamil Nadu; Mandana in Rajasthan; Chaookpurna in Chhattisgarh; Alpana in West Bengal; Aripana in Bihar; Chowk pujan in Uttar Pradesh; Muggu in Andhra Pradesh and others.

Seven month old Christine Joy shares her pram with two 5 week old Gunsure Golden Cherry's cocker spaniel pups from Gunsure Kennels in Ashford, Middlesex. 22nd May 1953. (Photo by Fred Morley/Fox Photos)

Egyptian bootblacks cleaning a European's shoes in Cairo. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images). Circa 1870

Actress Penelope Cruz (L) and actor Johnny Depp arrive at premiere of Walt Disney Pictures' “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” held at Disneyland on May 7, 2011 in Anaheim, California. Proceeds from the world premiere of Walt Disney Pictures' “Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Color dyed rabbits are seen in the markets of the Souq Waqif on January 12, 2011 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

The sun shines on trees that are displaying their autumn colours surrounding Palladian bridge and the lakeside Pantheon at the National Trust's Stourhead on November 3, 2010 near Warminster, England. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

The world heavyweight boxing champion Joe Frazier, before his fight with Joe Bugner. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images). 18th June 1973

Presenters Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz speak onstage during the 84th Annual Academy Awards held at the Hollywood & Highland Center on February 26, 2012 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)