Aipan painting, also called Alpana Painting, is a popular art-form of
Kumaon region of
Uttaranchal. It is an exclusive preserve of the women-folk, who depict their memorable events in the paintings.
This paining is mainly meant for religious ceremonies. A wide range of mediums such as papers, clothes and walls are embellished with it. The paintings mainly contain geometric patterns and images of deities and objects found in nature. These patterns vary according to the occasion.
In case of the naming ceremony of a child, the theme centers on the sun, moon, bell, conch shell and utensils that are used in the rituals. During the thread ceremony, called ‘janeu,’ the paintings contain the pattern of the Great bear star constellation, arranged in a series of hexagons. This constellation is believed to symbolizes the revered Saptarshis (seven great sages) in Hindu mythology. The pattern representing the sages is said to invoke their blessings.
During marriages, the ‘Dhuliargh Chauki’ (wooden seat of the groom) contains an Aipan painting featuring the image of a big water-jar, which symbolizes the water from which the universe is said to have emerged. The upper part of the jar contains a crown. The central part has a design created with four horizontal and bisecting lines, making a total of nine squares. This image is embellished with the shapes of lotus petals encircling it.
