Aipan Art of Uttarakhand

AIPAN ART OF UTTARAKHAND
Aipan art is a traditional-ritualistic folk art from the state of Uttarakhand. The art is mostly performed for
special events, household ceremonies, and rituals. Practitioners claim it summons a supernatural force
that brings good fortune and repels evil. The painting is unique in that it is produced on empty brick-red
walls known as Geru. The original artwork is produced using a white paste composed of rice flour. The
painting can be seen on the floors and walls of Puja rooms and home entrances. It is often mainly
practiced by women. The art form is extremely important in terms of social, cultural, and religious
significance.
The art style is performed in various parts of India and is known by various names. The art of
Uttarakhand is often created on a brick-red wall, which is often regarded as a sign of wealth and fertility.
Saraswati Chowki, Chamunda Hast Chowki, Nav Durga Chowki, Jyoti Patta, Durga Thapa, and Lakshmi
Yantra are among the motifs. The Aipan art is passed down over many decades, from mothers to
daughters and daughters-in-law. It was often followed by wealthy upper-class Brahmin people.
The origins of Aipan art can be traced back to Almora in Uttarakhand, which was established during the
reign of the Chand dynasty. It flourished in the Kumaon region during the rule of the Chand dynasty. The
patterns and motifs are inspired by the community's values as well as different facets of nature.
There are a variety of Aipan forms/motifs. Any examples are as follows:
 Saraswati Chowki: Used to mark the beginning of a child's formal education.

 Chamunda Hast Chowki: This kind of chowki is used for auspicious or sacrificial flames.
 Nav Durga Chowki: Used for Puja rituals. The art is designed in such a way that the nine dots
reflect the Nav Durgas.
 Shivarchan Peeth: Used while the reigning deity, Shiva, is worshiped.
 Acharya Chowki: According to popular Hinduism, the pandit/guru is more important than the
groom. A significant motif is created for the guru.
Asan Chowki, Durga Thapa, Jyoti Patta, Lakshmi Yantra, Janeyu Chowki, and The Surya Darshan Chowki
are also important types.
The Shaukas have their own art form that is a hybrid of Tibetan and Kumaoni styles. It is used to
decorate Dans mattresses.
 Dhuli Arghya Chowki (Dhuli Arghya Chowki): In India, twilight is known as "Godhuli Vela," or the
moment when cows come home from the pastures. The period is named for the dust that rises
from their hooves. The bridegroom's party also arrives at the bride's house at this time of
evening for weddings. The bridegroom's entourage used to stroll to the bride's house, so they
entered with muddy feet. Since the groom in this time reflects "Narayan." As God, he is greeted
with reverence. Before the puja to welcome him begins, his dust-covered feet are cleaned. He
sits on a "Chowkil," or small stool, decorated with a tree-like gure and three branches
protruding from the end.
 Durga Thapa :- The Durga Thapa is drawn on paper by Kumaon women for two Durga Pujas
conducted during the year, one in March-April and the other before the Dussehra festival. The
pujas last nine days and are therefore known as Navratras. This Thapa, or drawing, is very
complicated. Just as if they were gods and goddesses. Aside from the many-armed Durga riding
the lion, other local deities are portrayed. The Thakurs of Kumaon's family deities are ranked on
her left and right. Jwala Devi and Kot Kangra Devi She's surrounded by auspicious images like the
conch shen, ben, light, tulsi, rice, grain, and swastika. The Bhuja Bali gods are to her left.
 Jyoti Patta :- In the Kumaon hills, among the Brahmin and Sah communities, it is customary to
draw a "Jyoonti" at a wedding or a sacred thread ceremony. Originally, "Jyoontis" were murals
painted on the walls of rooms where religious services were held. These illustrations are now
produced on paper, hardboard, or plywood. There are also printed Jyoonti Pattas available. The
Jeev Matrikas - Maha Laxmi, Maha Saraswati, and Maha Kali - are known as "Jyoonti" in the local
language. Worship of the Matrikas is an ancient Kumaon tradition. The Bagnath Temple in
Bageshwar houses a screen depicting the Matrikas that is said to date from the ninth century.
The "Jyoonti" or Jyoti Patta is drawn in a specific pattern.
 Lakshmi Yantra:- During the Diwali festival, the goddess of abundance, Lakshmi, is worshipped in
the hills of Kumaon, as in other parts of India. The Lakshmi Yantra is drawn on the oor with
ochre color (Geru) and rice paste before the idol is put where the Puja will take place (Biswar).
This is the goddess's throne. The Yantra's central point is marked by a dot or ower, which
represents the Universe. It is surrounded by two triangles that form a six-pointed star. The
upper triangle represents Shiva, while the lower triangle represents Shakti. Six or eight lotuses
encircle the triangle. An outer circle of sixteen lotuses is also possible.The lotuses symbolize the
moon, stars, home, and money. Other circular patterns are normally placed around the
centerpiece. The circles are made of "Bhupur" is a word that means "gate" and is flanked by
lines on four sides. They represent the Earth. Lakshmi's footprints are sprinkled across the
artwork at different locations.
Many proto-historic rock drawings have been found in the state's Kumaon area during the last two
decades. Lakhu Udiyar and Lwethaap are two well-known examples. When it was practiced in some
Himalayan areas, the Pahari Kalam (style of painting) most likely evolved in Kumaon as well.
Unfortunately, there are very few examples of this style available today.
Aipan is currently popular among young people. Artists are experimenting with Aipan in order to make it
more common among young people. Aipan-themed items for sale include Aipan Diaries, Name Plates,
Coasters, Paintings, Wall Hangings, and even Aipan Sarees.

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AIPAN ART OF UTTARAKHAND

There are a variety of Aipan forms/motifs. Any examples are as follows:

 Saraswati Chowki: Used to mark the beginning of a child's formal education.

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