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Aipan-Uttarakhand - Ritual Floor Painting

Aipan is a traditional folk art specifically made by women of Uttarakhand. This art is done on the floor over a brick red background with a white paste made out of rice flour. The typical art is done on all special occasions and household ceremonies and rituals Viz. Ganesh Chaturthi, Makara Sankranti, Kark Sankranti, Initiation ceremonies, Weddings, Shivaratri and Laxmi puja. It is believed that these motifs evoke divine power which brings good fortune and wards off evil. Though the art form is practiced in different parts of India and called by various names, Uttarakhand Aipan painting has its unique identity which is always done on empty walls and on the ground over a brick red background which is a symbol of fortune and fertility. The art form is used to decorate floors and walls at the Puja room (place of worship) and the entrance of homes and practiced by many other communities of different regions. Aipan art has different names in different parts of India.

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