DIY Colored Rice Rangoli for Kids: A Simple Diwali Craft Tutorial

Growing up, rangolis were always made with colored powders, but now that I have little kids, I’ve learned the hard way that powders = giant mess. That’s why I’ve switched to making colored rice rangoli with them. It’s bright, easy, and feels like a craft + sensory play activity all rolled into one.

And here’s the hack: the same Laxmi rice I cook with is what I use for this project. The grains soak up color evenly, they don’t fall apart, and the end result looks really pretty when it’s all laid out.

What You’ll Need

• 1 cup uncooked Laxmi rice (per color)

• Food coloring (red, yellow, blue — or mix to make other shades)

• 1 tbsp vinegar (optional, but it helps lock in the color)

• Resealable plastic bags

• Parchment paper

• Jars or Ziplocs to store the finished rice

How We Do It

One of the reasons I love this activity for my three kids is because it’s a multi-step project where they can actually help at every stage. From measuring to shaking to spreading the rice out to dry, there’s a task for everyone. It’s simple enough for kids ages 4+, and since it takes a little time, it means I get a rare break — the kind where I can drink my chai while it’s still warm.

Step 1: Measure
I usually do 1 cup of Laxmi rice per color and pour it into a plastic bag.

Step 2: Add Color
A few drops of food coloring + a spoonful of vinegar go right into the bag. Start light — you can always add more drops if you want the color to pop.

Step 3: Shake It Up
Seal the bag and let the kids shake it like crazy until every grain is coated. (Warning: this might become their favorite part.)

Step 4: Dry
Spread the rice out on parchment paper and let it sit for about 1–2 hours. Once it’s dry, it won’t stain your hands.

Step 5: Store
I keep ours in little mason jars. The colors stay bright, and it makes pulling them out for activities super easy.

How We Use It

Here’s where you can get creative. My kids love filling in foam rangoli mats like these ones - they’re reusable, lightweight, and durable, which makes them perfect for kids (and easy to store for next year). We’ve also tried wooden rangoli boards, which look gorgeous and give a more traditional feel if you’re displaying them in the house.

And if you’ve got younger kids, honestly, sometimes I just let them freestyle on a large tray. When Diwali is over, leftover rice can go into a sensory bin for scooping and playing.

Mom-to-Mom Tips

• Less food coloring = easier clean-up. Add more if you want bold colors.
• Gloves are helpful unless you’re fine with rainbow-stained fingers.
• Make sure the rice dries completely before you store it, or it can get clumpy.

Why I Use Laxmi Rice

Not going to lie - I’ve tried this with random rice from the pantry, and it doesn’t always work out. The grains either break apart or the color looks patchy. Laxmi rice just takes on the color so evenly, and since I already buy it for cooking, it’s one less thing I have to overthink.

The Zero-Mess Option

Now, if you’re reading this and thinking, “Nope, I don’t have time or patience for colored rice,” I get it. That’s exactly why we made the Rangoli With Stickers Diwali Activity Book. It’s rangoli, but in sticker form - no mess, no drying time, no clean-up. It's perfect for Diwali parties at home, at school or even on the go when you need to give the kids some screen-free time at restaurants or on long flights. 

So whether you go the hands-on route with colored rice or the mess-free route with stickers, rangoli can be a great way to involve children in Diwali traditions while giving yourself a little breather, too.