Rangoli Contest & Visual Artists Open Call
An exciting all-ages opportunity to celebrate the spirit of the season of lights through the colorful art of Rangoli. Contestants will have two hours to complete their rangoli in person and onsite at the venue on November 1st.
While contestants are completing their rangoli, registered visual artists can display up to 5 representative pieces to be reviewed and considered for display at the Festival of Lights on November 14th.
How to Enter & Compete in the Rangoli Contest
Purchase one contest entry ticket per Rangoli artwork. (Artwork can be completed individually or in groups. In the case of group entries, prize will be shared between group members.)
Arrive to the venue at 4pm for checkin and setup. Bring all materials (sands, flowers, rice, chalk, tools) and a flat surface up to 3ft by 3ft (mdf, foamboard, cardboard).
You will have two hours to complete your artwork.
When time is up, your design will be photographed and ranked by popular vote via social media. Be sure to follow us @wonderfulindiamovement so you can share your design with friends and family for votes!
Age Categories and Prizes
For group entries, division is determined by the age of the oldest participant. Youth contestants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the event.
Youth Junior Division: Under age 13
Youth Upper Division: Ages 14 to 17
Adult Division: Ages 18+
Prizes are sponsored by community supporters and include cash, gift cards, and certificates. Prizes will be awarded to each age category.
Competition Rules
Size: Rangoli design can be can be up to 3ft by 3ft. Contest is held in an indoor space. You must bring your own flat surface (foam board, mdf board, wooden board), no large than 3 ft by 3ft, on which to create your design.
Supplies: Bring your own supplies, which may include flower petals, colored rice, sand, or chalk. No lamps or open flames allowed.
Design & Tools: You can create any design as long as it is original. Art related to Diwali will be most relevant. You may bring pictures and drawings to use as reference. Stencils may be used as a guide, but final art should be hand finished. Tools such as bottles, spoons, and so forth may be used to pour and shape sand/rice.
Voting and Winners
Photos of all entries will be posted online, and contest winners will be selected by popular vote.
Winners will be announced by Friday, November 6. Winning designs will be shown onscreen at the Festival of Lights on November 14th.
Contestant Registration and Logistics
Entry Fee: $25 per contest submission (Select the Contestant Ticket at checkout)
Arrival and Setup: Contestants are responsible for bringing their necessary supplies and materials to the venue on the day of the event. Setup/check-in begins at 4pm. Contest begins sharply at 4:30p and ends at 6:30p. Contestants are expected to remain onsite for the duration of the event. Late arrivals will not be given time beyond the deadline to complete their artwork.
Visual Artists Open Call
While contestants are creating their rangoli, registered visual artists can display up to 5 representative pieces of their work for review and considerations toward participation in Wonderful India festivals. Selected visual artists will be invited to display their work at the grand Festival of Lights on November 14th. Choose Visual Artist Open Call Ticket at checkout.
Attendees/Guests
Event is open to the public. All attendees must register to attend. If you plan to attend and are not a contestant, then select the Attendee Ticket at checkout.
Part of a 14-month series:
This Rangoli Contest is part of the first cycle of a 14-month series of events scheduled during the 2026-27 season of the Wonderful India movement in Austin, Texas. Read more about the movement and stay up-to-date with upcoming events at WonderfulIndia.org