Colorful patterns, intricate designs and a shared appreciation for creativity are bringing South Jersey residents together as the Burlington County Library System celebrates Indian culture through its “Discover the Art of Rangoli” workshop series.
Led by Sapana Raval, a traditional folk art and dance educator and master artist, the hands-on workshops introduce participants to Rangoli, a traditional Indian art form associated with Diwali, the Festival of Lights.
The series kicked off Nov. 2 with a sold-out workshop at the Maple Shade Library, where participants of different ages and backgrounds gathered to create their own colorful designs while learning about the cultural traditions behind them.
“Launching the series with a sold-out room at Maple Shade on November 2nd was deeply moving and exhilarating,” Raval said. “The energy in the room was electric yet focused — you could feel a genuine sense of collective joy and concentration as everyone worked with the colors.”
For Raval, who also serves as executive first vice president of the Voorhees-Gibbsboro Lions Club, the workshops are about much more than creating beautiful artwork. They are an opportunity to celebrate cultural heritage, encourage creativity and strengthen connections among neighbors.
“Diwali is a time centered around community, light, and shared joy,” she explained. “Burlington County has a rich, culturally diverse population, and I wanted to create an inviting, inclusive space where neighbors of all backgrounds could celebrate Diwali together through a hands-on experience.”
Rangoli, derived from the Sanskrit word rangavalli, meaning “rows of color,” is a traditional Indian floor art created using materials such as colored sand, crushed rice powder, flower petals and natural pigments.
The designs are typically displayed at the entrances of homes and gathering places as symbols of hospitality, positivity and good fortune.
During Diwali, Rangoli plays an important role in welcoming family, friends and Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu deity associated with prosperity.
The colors and patterns carry special meanings. Lotus flowers represent purity and resilience, peacocks symbolize beauty and grace, and geometric patterns reflect balance and harmony. Vibrant shades of red, yellow, orange and green represent qualities ranging from strength and joy to growth and new beginnings.
Beyond their visual appeal, Raval said Rangoli designs also offer a reminder to appreciate the present.
“Because traditional Rangoli is ephemeral and temporary in nature, it carries a profound philosophy: it reminds us to cherish the present moment, celebrate beauty in daily life, and cultivate an open heart for every guest who crosses our threshold,” she said.
Raval has spent decades practicing and sharing traditional Indian folk arts, including Rangoli, henna body art, Dot Mandala patterns and Warli painting. Her experience includes collaborations with regional arts organizations and participation in the New Jersey State Council on the Arts’ Teaching Artist Community of Practice.
Through the library workshops, she hopes to make those artistic traditions accessible to people who might otherwise never have an opportunity to experience them.
Each beginner-friendly session begins with an introduction to the history and cultural significance of Rangoli before participants get to work with vibrant, non-toxic colored sand.
Using stencils or freehand techniques, participants learn how to create symmetrical geometric patterns, control the flow of sand with their fingertips and incorporate traditional motifs such as lotus flowers, mandalas and diya oil lamps.
They also explore different color combinations and leave with completed artwork to display at home.
Raval weaves cultural storytelling into the creative process, explaining the meaning behind different designs as participants work.
The experience can also be relaxing, particularly for those who may initially feel intimidated by the idea of making art.
“One of my favorite moments is when participants describe the process as ‘meditative,’” she said. “They become completely absorbed in the tactile feel of the sand and the rhythmic creation of patterns.”
At the Maple Shade workshop, Raval was especially struck by the way art encouraged interaction among participants who had never met.
“What stood out to me most was how quickly total strangers began talking, complimenting each other’s designs, and sharing stories,” she recalled.
That sense of connection is one of the reasons Raval believes public libraries are ideal spaces for cultural programming.
“Public libraries are among our most democratic and welcoming civic spaces,” she said. “They are places where people of all ages — from young children to seniors — gather to learn, explore, and connect without barriers.”
The workshops also provide an opportunity for Indian American families to share their traditions with younger generations while introducing other residents to a celebration they may be unfamiliar with.
Raval said seeing Indian cultural traditions celebrated in public spaces can foster pride among young people while allowing families to pass down artistic skills and stories.
At the same time, participants from other backgrounds gain a better understanding of their neighbors’ cultures.
“When someone who has never celebrated Diwali sits alongside someone who grew up making Rangoli every year, a natural exchange of culture and friendship happens organically,” she said. “It turns an art lesson into a true community-building experience.”
Following the successful Maple Shade kickoff, the series will continue at Burlington County Library System branches throughout November and early December.
Upcoming workshops are scheduled for the Riverton Library on Nov. 16, Pemberton Library in Browns Mills on Nov. 28, Cinnaminson Library on Dec. 1, Bordentown Library on Dec. 4 and Pinelands Library in Medford on Dec. 5.
Raval plans to introduce variations of traditional Rangoli designs at different locations, incorporating seasonal patterns, mandalas and new color combinations for participants interested in building on their skills.
Looking ahead, she hopes to expand her cultural arts programming to additional libraries, schools and community organizations throughout South Jersey. She also hopes to introduce more residents to traditional Indian dance forms such as Garba and Dandiya Raas, along with other folk arts.
Ultimately, Raval wants participants to leave with more than a finished piece of artwork. She hopes they gain a greater appreciation for Indian traditions, discover the calming benefits of creativity and develop meaningful connections with their neighbors.
“Sharing traditions builds bridges of understanding and empathy,” she said. “When we learn about our neighbors’ cultural celebrations, those traditions stop being ‘unfamiliar’ and become part of our shared community fabric.”
For anyone considering attending an upcoming session, Raval has a simple invitation.
“Come as you are! You don’t need any prior artistic experience — just an open mind and a willingness to explore color and creativity. Come celebrate light, community, and culture with us!”
