Surat : Shri Ram Rangoli Secures Asia Book of Records

Surat : Surat, the diamond city, recently added another gem to its cultural crown with a record-breaking ‘Shri Ram’ rangoli, which has secured a coveted spot in the Asia Book of Records. The magnificent artwork was created at the Katargam community center, covering an area of 11,111 square feet, ahead of the Ram Temple consecration ceremony set to take place on January 19, 2024.

The stunning rangoli, which depicted Lord Shri Ram, Mother Sita, Lakshmana, Hanumanji, and scenes of Ram Setu, has garnered widespread acclaim, both nationally and internationally. The rangoli’s intricate designs and vibrant colors have become a symbol of devotion and cultural pride, with many praising the dedication and hard work of the artists who brought it to life.

Twelve Hours of Tireless Effort

The grand creation was the result of 12 hours of continuous work by 40 dedicated women artists, who used 1,400 kg of colors to bring the depiction of Ram Darbar to life. Under the guidance of Mehndi artist Nimishaben Parekh, the rangoli captured the essence of devotion, art, and the spirit of unity. The designs were meticulously prepared by Parekh, ensuring that every detail resonated with the themes of faith and devotion.

The rangoli was organized with the cooperation of Nayanaben Katrodia from the Kalarpan Art Group and the Mota Mandir Yuvak Mandal. The collaboration of these organizations made the event possible, leading to the creation of a masterpiece that beautifully encapsulated the religious and cultural ethos of Hinduism.

A Moment of Pride

At a ceremony held in Surat, former Minister of State for Textiles and Railways, Darshanaben Zardosh, awarded certificates to Nimishaben Parekh, Nayanaben Katrodia, and the 40 women artists who contributed to the rangoli. The recognition from the Asia Book of Records is seen as a moment of immense pride, not just for the artists but for the city of Surat as well.

Speaking at the event, Nayanaben Katrodia expressed her gratitude and said, “This rangoli is dedicated to the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya and conveys the message of unity and religious spirit of Hinduism. We are honored to receive global recognition from the Asia Book of Records for this realistic rangoli.” She further emphasized that the award is a testament to the efforts of all the artists involved, and that it will inspire the traditional art of rangoli to be celebrated on national and international platforms.

A Tradition of Artistic Excellence

This achievement is not the first for Nimishaben Parekh. Earlier, her “Mehndikrit Ramayana,” a unique representation of 51 events from the Ramayana using mehndi in Warli art on the hands of 51 women artists, was also recognized by the Asia Book of Records. Recently, she was honored with a certificate of appreciation by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel for her creativity and devotion displayed through the “Mehndikrit Ramayana.”

Parekh expressed her joy over the new achievement, saying, “This award will encourage traditional art forms like Rangoli to gain more recognition on a larger scale. We thank all the organizations and artists who supported this historic event.” She also highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting cultural heritage, stating that such initiatives help keep traditional art alive.