Aipan Art Of Uttarakhand: A Traditional And Ritualistic Folk Art

If you have ever visited the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, you might have noticed some beautiful and intricate patterns drawn on the walls, floors, and fabrics of the houses. These are called Aipan, a traditional and ritualistic folk art that has been practised by the Kumaoni people for centuries.

Aipan art is not just a decorative art form, but also a way of expressing the faith, culture, and values of the Kumaoni community. Aipan art is done mainly during special occasions, household ceremonies, and rituals, such as weddings, festivals, births, deaths, etc. It is believed that Aipan art invokes a divine power that brings about good fortune and deters evil.

In this blog post, we will explore the history, significance, types, and techniques of the Aipan art of Uttarakhand.

History of Aipan Art

The word Aipan is derived from the Sanskrit word Lepana, which means plaster. Aipan art originated from Almora in Uttarakhand, which was founded during the reign of the Chand dynasty. It flourished during the reign of the Chand dynasty in the Kumaon region.

The designs and motifs of Aipan art are motivated by the beliefs of the community and various aspects of nature. Some of the common themes are gods, goddesses, animals, plants, flowers, geometric shapes, symbols, etc.

Aipan art is similar to other forms of floor and wall paintings found in different parts of India, such as Alpana in Bengal and Assam, Aripana in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, Mandana in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, Rangoli in Gujarat and Maharashtra, Kolam in South India, Muggu in Andhra Pradesh, Bhuggul in Andhra Pradesh, Chita, Jhoti and Muruja in Odisha.

However, what makes Aipan art unique is that it is always done on a brick-red wall or floor, which is also considered to be a symbol of fortune and fertility. The brick-red colour is obtained by applying a mixture of ochre (Geru) and water. The actual art is done with a white paste made of rice flour. The paste is applied with the last three fingers of the right hand.

Aipan art is mostly done by women who learn it from their mothers or mothers-in-law. It is passed down through generations as a part of the Kumaoni culture and heritage.

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Significance of Aipan Art

Aipan art is not just an aesthetic expression but also a spiritual one. It is done with devotion and reverence to invoke the blessings of the deities and to ward off evil influences.

Each design or motif has a specific meaning and purpose. For example:

• Swastik: It is a symbol of auspiciousness, prosperity, peace, and harmony. It is also associated with Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles.
• Lotus: It is a symbol of purity, beauty, enlightenment, and fertility. It is also associated with Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
• Star: It is a symbol of light, guidance, hope, and wisdom. It is also associated with Goddess Saraswati, the goddess of learning.
• Diya: It is a symbol of illumination, knowledge, joy, and life. It is also associated with Lord Shiva, the lord of light.
• Feet: They are symbols of respect, gratitude, service, and devotion. They are also associated with various gods and goddesses who are worshipped by placing their feet on Aipans.

Aipan art is done according to different occasions and ceremonies. Some of them are:

• Ganesh Chaturthi: It is a festival that celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha. Aipan(s) are drawn with motifs of Ganesha’s face or trunk along with swastikas and flowers.
• Makar Sankranti: It is a festival that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. Aipan(s) are drawn with motifs of suns or stars along with swastikas and flowers.
• Kark Sankranti: It is a festival that marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Cancer. Aipan(s) are drawn with motifs of moons or stars along with swastikas and flowers.
• Maha Shivaratri: It is a festival that honours Lord Shiva as the supreme power. Aipan(s) are drawn with motifs of Shiva’s trident, snake, or eye along with swastikas and flowers.
• Lakshmi Pujan: It is a festival that worships Goddess Lakshmi as the source of wealth and prosperity. Aipan(s) are drawn with motifs of Lakshmi’s feet, lotus, or coins along with swastikas and flowers.

Types of Aipan Art

Aipan art can be classified into different types based on the medium, the location, and the purpose. Some of the common types are:

• Chowki: It is a wooden platform that is used for placing idols or offerings during pujas or rituals. Chowkis are decorated with Aipans that have specific designs for each occasion. For example, Saraswati Chowki, Chamunda Hast Chowki, Nav Durga Chowki, Shiv or Shivarchan Peeth, etc.
• Patta or Thapa: It is a wall or a cloth that is used for displaying Aipans during pujas or rituals. Pattas or Thapas are also decorated with Aipans that have specific designs for each occasion. For example, Jyoti Patta, Durga Thapa, Lakshmi Yantra, etc.
• Pichhaura: It is a dupatta or a scarf that is worn by women during weddings or festivals. Pichhauras are also decorated with Aipans that have auspicious designs such as swastikas, lotuses, stars, etc.
• Dikara: It is a clay idol that is made during the festival of Harela. Dikaras are also decorated with Aipans that have natural designs such as birds, animals, plants, etc.

Techniques of Aipan Art

Aipan art is done with simple and natural materials that are easily available. The basic steps are:

• Preparing the surface: The wall or the floor where the Aipan is to be drawn is cleaned and smeared with a mixture of ochre (Geru) and water to give it a brick-red colour. The surface is then allowed to dry.
• Preparing the paste: The rice flour is mixed with water to make a thick and smooth paste. The paste is then transferred to a small bowl or a coconut shell.
• Drawing the design: The design or motif is drawn freehand with the last three fingers of the right hand dipped in the paste. The design is usually drawn from the centre to the periphery. The design can be simple or complex depending on the occasion and the skill of the artist.

Conclusion

Aipan art of Uttarakhand is a vibrant folk art that reflects the culture and faith of the Kumaoni people. It is a living tradition that has been preserved and passed down through generations. It is also a creative expression that can be adapted and innovated according to modern times.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post on the Aipan art of Uttarakhand. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below. Thank you for your time and attention. 😊