Rangoli makers adapt to rising costs to preserve colourful Diwali tradition

What the report says

Rangoli makers in India are adjusting their materials as the cost of supplies rises, with some turning to organic alternatives to keep the Diwali custom affordable. Al Jazeera reported on the trend in a video news item published on 8 November 2026, focusing on how makers and families are trying to preserve the decorative practice without stretching budgets too far.

Rangoli is a traditional form of floor art created with powders, flowers, rice, or other materials, and it is commonly associated with Diwali celebrations. In this case, the report highlights how changing prices are affecting the choices available to people who produce or commission the designs. Rather than using only conventional materials, some are adapting their approach to reduce costs while keeping the visual and cultural character of the festival decoration.

The development matters because it shows how inflation or supply pressure can affect everyday cultural practices, not just household spending. It also suggests a broader shift toward locally sourced or organic substitutes in festive traditions. Based on the material provided, the article does not specify the scale of the price changes or identify individual makers, but it presents the adaptation as part of efforts to sustain a widely recognized Diwali custom.