Though the art of making Rangoli is the same all over India, there maybe small variations here and there. Primarily known as the Rangoli, it also has different names in different states along the length and breadth of this country.

Tamilnadu and the southern parts of India:

Rangoli in south India is referred to as Kolam. In parts of the court yards as well as outside homes, it is drawn by young girls and women. Kolam is the name followed in Tamil Nadu. In kerala, it is called Poovidal or Pookalam, Muggulu in Andhra Pradesh, it has been given the name and in the state of Karnataka it is called Rangaavaali. The making of Kolam has an extensive use of dots which form the basic frame work of the Rangoli.

West Bengal:

In the eastern state of West Bengal, the Rangoli is famously known as ‘Alpana’. The Alpana is used before important festivals as well as auspicious days.

Bihar:

Aripana is the name given to the Rangolis in Bihar, at the time of puja ceremonies and other devotional gatherings.

Uttar Pradesh:

Here, it is commonly known as the Chowkpurana thought the manner of making it more or less remains the same.

Rajasthan:

Madana is the name give to the Rangoli in Rajasthan.

In the rest of the parts of India, like the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra which are on the western coast of the country, the name Rangoli is used extensively. There are different names in different regions and languages.

But the Rangoli continues to remain a collection of colours which are considered very auspicious at festive occasions as well as gatherings for prayers as well as devotional purposes.