Simple Rangoli Pattern Paper Plate Activity for Diwali

Reading Time: 2 minutes

By Mia Edmunds

Diwali is the Hindu festival of lights and is celebrated each year by the lighting of lamps. The word Diwali means “row of lights” and the celebrations symbolise that light is more powerful than darkness and that good is more powerful than evil.

This year, Diwali will be celebrated on 31st October 2024, and to prepare for the occasion, Early Years teacher, Mia Edmunds, has put together some inspirational crafting ideas that children can create with Rangoli pattern paper plates.

What are Rangoli Patterns?

Rangoli is a decoration that is placed at the entrance of homes during Diwali, representing positivity and good luck. The word Rangoli means “row of colours” and their vibrancy is meant to welcome not only guests to the home, but joy too.

Making Rangoli Paper Plates

These simple Rangoli pattern paper plates are the perfect craft for your Diwali celebrations. They’re easy to make and allow the children to bring together their favourite colours and shapes. Watch as their imagination and creativity come to life!

They are a wonderful way to teach your class about the tradition of Rangoli making during Diwali and other Hindu festivals.

You will need:

• Paper plates

• Mixture of coloured or glitter card

• Tissue paper

• Acrylic gems or sequins

• PVA glue

To create your plate, start at the centre of the plate by adding a shape of your choice. Cut from a piece of card or tissue paper (you could pre-cut some shapes to get the children started)

Continue to add layers as you work from the centre using your shapes. Use a range of triangles, squares or circles. Remember, the more vibrant the better.

To give your Rangoli plate more detail, add some gems or sequins to make it even more special.

Benefits of this activity

Making Rangoli paper plates will give the children an opportunity to understand how Diwali is celebrated, as well as promote British Values with mutual respect and tolerance for different faiths and traditions.

The activity will also develop fine motor skills and dexterity, as well as support colour, pattern and shape recognition.

This Rangoli paper plate activity was created by Mia Edmunds, an EYFS teacher who has worked in Early Years for a number of years.

Mia shares her learning and provision set ups over on her social media – @miss_e_early_years – and would love you to share your creations with her!

Simple Rangoli Pattern Paper Plates for Diwali

What are Rangoli Patterns?

Making Rangoli Paper Plates

Benefits of this activity

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Simple Rangoli Pattern Paper Plates for Diwali

What are Rangoli Patterns?

Making Rangoli Paper Plates

Benefits of this activity

Science Sparks’ Top Primary Science Resources

Having Fun with Computer Control and Programming

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