Rangoli art painted on Rishi Sunak’s doorstep ahead of budget

Hindu custom designed to bring good luck visible as UK finance chief sets out to delivers budget

Rangoli patterns were seen on the doorstep of 11 Downing Street. AFP

Rangoli patterns designed to bring good luck were seen on the doorstep of Number 11 Downing Street on UK budget day.

Three multicoloured patterns were visible on Wednesday as Chancellor Rishi Sunak carried out the annual custom of holding up the red treasury box to the media before delivering the UK budget in the House of Commons.

Mr Sunak, 40, who is of Indian origin, is Britain's first Hindu chancellor of the exchequer.

Rangoli patterns are a Hindu custom typically used to welcome guests throughout Diwali, bringing good luck to the household.

They are traditionally drawn with the fingers using flour, rice grains and coloured chalk.

It is not clear who created the doorstep design but The National has asked the Treasury for comment.

In November, Mr Sunak placed his own rangoli symbols outside Number 11 for Diwali.

With the country in national lockdown at the time, he said he would be celebrating with family in India over Zoom.

“It’s so difficult for us not to see each other,” he said at the time.