Uttarakhand Aipan
Folk Painting
History
Aipan art, native to the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, originated during the Chand dynasty’s rule and began in Almora before spreading across the state. Traditionally created with fingers, it is believed to invoke divine blessings, bring good fortune, and ward off evil. Aipan designs are integral to rituals and ceremonies, including pujas, births, marriages, deaths, and the janeu (threading) ceremony.
Raw Materials and Tools
Raw Materials: Geru, rice paste, cow dung.
Tools: Brush, fingers.
Process
Uttarakhand’s Aipan art is a traditional floor and wall painting style symbolizing fertility and prosperity, mainly seen in mud houses. It begins with a red ochre (Geru) base, followed by white patterns made using a rice paste applied with the fingers. Created with the middle, ring, and pinky fingers held together, the designs feature deities, geometric motifs, and cultural symbols, evolving from simple dots and lines to intricate compositions.
Design and Color
The oldest painting style is Aipan, which mostly features Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain themes. The ideas and themes found in Aipan art are influenced by many facets of nature as well as societal beliefs. Saraswati Chowki, Chamunda Hast Chowki, Nav Durga Chowki, Jyoti Patta, Durga Thapa, and Lakshmi Yantra are a few of the motifs. Native Kumaon (Aipan) art is always painted on a brick-red wall, which is also thought to be a symbol of fertility and good luck.
Product Range
Mango wood is used to craft chowkies, which are painted with occasion-specific designs. Pattas and thappas are made on paper, cloth, or directly on walls. While natural dyes were once used, oil and poster paints are common today. Traditional patterns now adorn items like cards, wall hangings, cushion covers, and T-shirts, as well as gift tags, bookmarks, clay objects, trays, boxes, and coasters, preserving their decorative legacy.