Simple Sankranti Muggulu: A Beginner’s Guide

Begin with a clean canvas

A muggu can transform a doorstep with only a few lines and colours. Start on a clean, dry surface away from stairs and busy walkways. Choose a small area you can comfortably reach without stepping into the design.

Build from the centre

For a first attempt, use a central dot surrounded by four or eight equally spaced dots. Connect them with petals or curved lines. Work outward in small steps, keeping a little space between each shape. Symmetry is helpful, but a handmade design does not need to be perfect.

Choose a festival palette

Warm yellow, orange, green and deep pink echo the colours of flowers and harvest decorations. Use powders appropriate for your surface and keep them away from food, children’s mouths and pets. A border of fresh flowers is another option.

Share the work

Let each family member fill one section, or let children choose the colours. Photograph the finished pattern before people arrive. Our rangoli gallery offers downloadable original patterns you can use for inspiration.