Kavya's Colorful Welcome

Kavya bounced on her toes, her eyes sparkling like the firecrackers she couldn't wait to see. Diwali was almost here, and her home was buzzing with excitement! The smell of sweets filled the air, and every corner promised a new surprise.

As she stepped outside with Nani Shanti, a burst of color caught her eye. On the doorstep of their neighbor's house, a magnificent design bloomed! Swirls of pink, blue, and yellow danced together, like a secret garden painted on the ground.

Kavya knelt down, her finger tracing the invisible lines of the pattern. 'Nani,' she asked, her voice a soft whisper, 'What is this magical painting? Who made it, and why?'

Nani Shanti chuckled, her eyes twinkling. 'That, my dear Kavya, is a Rangoli! It's an ancient tradition, a special art we make to welcome good luck and our loved ones during festivals like Diwali. Each color and pattern tells a story of joy.'

Kavya's eyes grew wide. 'Can *I* make one, Nani?' she asked eagerly. Nani Shanti nodded, leading Kavya to a basket filled with tiny bowls of brightly colored powders – reds like sunsets, greens like fresh leaves, and blues like the deepest sky. There were also little sieves and tools.

Nani Shanti showed Kavya how to hold the powder just right, letting it trickle through her fingers. Kavya tried, but the powder wiggled and wobbled, making a funny, lopsided flower. 'Oops!' she giggled, a puff of pink powder rising into the air.

Nani Shanti knelt beside her. 'It's like drawing with stardust, little one,' she said softly, taking Kavya's hand in hers. Together, they guided the powder, making a smooth, flowing curve. 'See? Practice makes perfect, and every line is a wish.'

Soon, Kavya didn't need Nani's hand as much. She carefully poured, tapped, and swirled, creating delicate petals and tiny stars. A beautiful design began to emerge, blooming from the ground beneath her fingertips.

Together, they added the finishing touches – a bright yellow center, a border of deep blue. Nani Shanti added tiny clay lamps, called diyas, around the edges. Each lamp glowed, making the colors of the Rangoli shine even brighter.

As the sun set and the Diwali lights twinkled, their Rangoli glowed, a masterpiece of colors and wishes. Kavya felt a warm glow in her heart, knowing she had helped create something beautiful, carrying on a tradition as old and bright as the stars themselves. Happy Diwali!