The 'non-art use art' is an area of interest for many educators, researchers and therapists. Adapted rangoli patterns in the developing eye-hand coordination; training fine muscles of hands at the tender age, and providing feel of colors and visual intelligence as a part of experiential learning can be areas of interest for teachers, special educators and therapist.
I took to designing modified rangoli designs as 'successive drawing mindful experience' and felt its effect and my work as an educator got me the recognition a few times in 'tutorial art' category (see inset picture)
Since rangoli is to be done at sunrise time, it can lead to change of habit, if done for lazy late riser under the guidance of an expressive art therapist in the presence of care-givers for a child.
As a folk and family tradition, rangoli in South India is used as floor art as a part of religion, spirituality and lift the spirit to began the day as a sacred activity to welcome Gods.
Many south Indians do daily rangoli at the threshold of their houses or in front of a pot of Tulsi plant (Holi Basil) to integrate art and sacred feelings towards nature and benevolent spirits. Some spiritualists and therapists hold the Rangoli as a sacred art lifes the life force (Prana Shakti) of the individual. Selecting and reciting chants and mantras after finishing the rangoli leads to integrating, body, mind and senses.
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