Nowhere near as large or complex as some of my works, but none the less interesting - is Rangeela Paan.
The concept derived entirely from the team at Wizcraft Design, the art itself is very simple.
A paan leaf surrounded by rangoli designs that match the interior color of the shop with one catch - the paan ingredients are rangoli made of faux jewels replicating their shape and colors.
Poor lighting in a unit void of electricity (it was under construction to be fair)
makes it hard to see the jewels shimmer
For my non desi readers I thought I should give a little insight and history into Paan or Betel nut chewing. Areca nuts are chewed in conjunction with slaked lime and betel leaves for a stimulant and narcotic effect. This practice is most common in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Micronesia.
Mixing the 3 main ingredients is called Paan in South Asia and things like coconut, menthol, saffron, cloves, cardamon, among others - are often added to freshen the breath and add additional flavor.
Betel nut chewing originates from South East Asia with evidence found in the Philippines at a burial pit in Duyong Cave around 4500 BP.
Across South Asia there are many auspicious traditions that involve betel leaves however, in order to be more accurate I will wait until I venture there before providing in depth information on customs specific and unique to certain areas.
Betel Leaves
Prepared Paan as david-ji knows it
Now a tad about Rangoli - an art form originating on the Indian subcontinent it uses powdered lime stone, dry rice flour, red ochre, colored sand, and flowers among others to create elaborate and colorful patterns and designs. An everyday practice in Hindu homes, Rangoli are most often made for festivals such as Diwali and Onam.
To be honest rangoli patterns are far more common than most people know, and can be found on a variety of everyday items here in the west.
Traditional Hindu style Rangoli pattern
The bandana pictured here is clearly a rangoli-style design
You can see how the leaf clearly resemble that of a betel
While there you have it, a brief introduction to Paan and a very unique piece of art. I'll add another page sooner or later with some of the work I've created for the Royal Paan Franchise that spans across North America mugger abhi nahin.
I recommend you try Paan - I very much enjoy it, but I can only recommend Royal Paan or Rangeela Paan (places I've painted). Perhaps in the future Milan Paan will be on that list and a few others, but only time will tell.
Until I Write Again,
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