Uttarakhand Aipan has its unique identity as a painting which is always done on the empty walls and on the ground 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 entrance of homes and practiced by many other communities of different region.
The concept of Aipan is based on the deep faith of people in Hindu Religion. In Hinduism specified rituals and ceremonies are required at every stage of life from birth to death. It is called ‘Sanskar ’ like Namkaran (naming) ceremony, Yagopavit (thread) ceremony, Marriage ceremony and after death ceremony (shraddh karm).
Uttarakhand Aipan is one such activity which is performed in every ceremony by drawing specific pattern. It is also a ritual painting in straight line patterns done on Mandap / Mandir (Stage used to place idols of gods). The art makes its presence felt at all auspicious occasions because of the traditional beliefs that the motifs bring good fortune, blessings from the lord and fertility.
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An Aipan is made with ‘Geru’ or red vermillion paste as a base and rice paste patterns on top. This pristine white on deep red gives out a beautiful contrast emphasizing the designs. The rice paste is made by soaking any rice for about 16 hours and then grinding it into a fine paste with a medium to runny consistency. The ring finger of the right hand is used to draw the elaborate patterns with help of cotton balls or cloth.
Every design has its own significance. The designs are symbolic and common in meaning for different regions also. The design varies each day for each ritual and worship of particular god. Patterns drawn in Aipan paintings are inspired by nature, trees, birds, animals, betel leaves, and flowers like Lotus etc.
Geometrical patterns like lines, dots, squares, circles, and triangles. Other motifs like Swastik, Trident, Fish, conch shell, footprints, supposed to be of Goddess Laxmi, and anthropomorphic figures
The design starts at the center with a flower and surrounded by the dotted borders, creepers and stylized flowers. Entrances of house are intricately decorated with straight lines welcoming the guests.
Saraswati Chowki (seat of goddess Saraswati), Chamunda Hast Chowki (seat for Hasans or Yoga), Nav Durga Chowki (seat for Nav Durga during Durga Puja), Shiv or Shivarchan Peeth (for Shiva during Magh or Savan month), Surya Darshan Chowki (for new born child on eleventh day of birth), Janeyu Chowki (for sacred thread ceremony), Asan Chowki (seat for devotee and his wife during rituals), Acharya Chowki (seat for Pandit during marriage), Durga Thapa (painted on paper for durga puja), Jyoti Patta (mural paintings depicting MahaLaxmi, Maha Kali and Maha Saraswati), and Lakshmi Yantra (seat of Lakshmi during Diwali) - are the traditional designs made with different connotations and symbols which depicts the deities.
Puja rooms are beautifully decorated with designs of lotus flowers, betel leaves, and conch shells. Chowki (seat of goddess Lakshmi) is designed during Diwali festival and the same practice has used for different type of festivals with different type of God and Goddess. The ceremonial Aipan design is like a Yantra (A noticeable geometric pattern) to symbolize the deity
It is very much popular across the Kumaon region from ancient period, without any caste and creed. Now has spread in whole Uttarakhand with a passion and has used as a tool for commercial purpose for the livelihood of local people especially women.
GI Tag Registration Date : 14 September 2021
GI Tag Number : 648
Certificate Number : 389
Geographical Area : Uttarakhand
Special Cover Release Date : 28 November 2021
Cancellation : Dehradun 248 001
Type : GI Tag Cover
Cover Identification Number : UK/06/2021-2022
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