India’s mountainous regions not only boast of majestic hills and beautiful scenery but are also home to some of the country’s richest folk art forms. One such folk art comes from Kumaon in Uttarakhand. It is called Aipan art and is centuries old.

Let us dive deeper into the history and significance of this Kumaoni folk art.

Origin of Kumaoni Aipan Art

The red and white patterns of aipan painting have decorated the houses of the locals for years now, and it has a history that is centuries old.

  • The origins of Kumaon’s ritualistic folk art, aipan, are often traced back to the time when the Chand dynasty ruled the region.
  • It is believed to have started from Almora specifically and later spread to the other regions of Kumaon.

Kumaon Division

Colours, Motifs, and Significance: Everything You Need to Know About aipan Art

Aipan art has its own distinct features that set it apart from other folk arts of India. Here is what makes this Kumaoni art style unique:

Ritualistic Nature of Traditional aipan Art

Today aipan art prints are being used for decorative purposes. However, traditionally, aipan art was made to commemorate auspicious days and festivals.

In fact, it was also made during a person’s funeral rites.

Fun Fact! Aipan art designs were once believed to ward off evil energies and spirits.

Method of Making aipan Art

Everything about traditional Aipan art is deeply connected with the people and their beliefs, land and culture.

  • Base: Initially, aipan art was painted on the walls and floors of houses.
  • Preparation: The surface was plastered with Geru (wet mud) that gave it a deep red colour. Cooked rice were then grinded to create a white paste, which was used to draw motifs and patterns upon the dried mud. This paste is known as bisvar.
  • Artists: It was the women of the community who would draw aipan art to adorn their houses. They did not use any paintbrush. Instead, the women would use three fingers dipped in bisvar to create the beautiful designs.

preparation

Common Motifs and Patterns of aipan Art

Aipan paintings can not only be recognised by the combination of red and white hues but also by certain patterns, designs, and motifs that are recurrent in most aipan art pieces.

  • Religious Motifs: swastika, figures of deities, footprints of the goddess, conch shells,
  • Nature-inspired Motifs: flowers and leaves
  • The Dot: Every piece of aipan painting began with the placement of a single dot at the centre. This dot signified the centre of the universe. All other patterns emerged out of this dot.

Aipan art in the Modern Times

With efforts being made for the preservation and revival of aipan folk art, the art form has undergone certain transformations.

For instance, the paintings are no longer limited to walls and floors. Aipan art designs have started being incorporated into everyday objects, apparel, and even home decor.

Aipan art on pillow

Popular Aipan Art Products

Aipan art wallpapers and wall hangings transform a living space by adding a touch of tradition, culture, and history in modern spaces. Our Aipan art with Om design wallpaper from Magicdecor will add a pop of colour and transform your walls from basic to artistic.

Aipan art is now being used for devotional purposes by people outside of the Kumaon region as well. Wooden chowkis with aipan art are bought during poojas. Especially popular are

  • Shiv chowki aipan
  • Laxmi chowki aipan
  • Ganesh chowki aipan
Aipan Art Chowki
Image Credit: Pinterest

Minakriti: The Aipan Project

Minakshi Khati, who hails from Uttarakhand, took an interest in Aipan art and began ‘Minakriti: the Aipan Project’ to promote this gradually disappearing folk art.

For her project called Minakriti, aipan art revival is not merely about the art form. It has empowered thousands of women by teaching them the intricacies of folk art so that they can earn their own livelihood.

Minakriti Aipan Art Project

Aipan: Culture Painted in Red and White

It is important to realise that folk art forms like Aipan are not just about aesthetics and decoration but carry centuries of history, tradition, and culture. Therefore, efforts must be made to preserve such art forms and popularize them once again.

As individuals, let us do our bit by purchasing original aipan paintings. This will support the artists. Incorporating the art form in your interior decor is another great way of celebrating the richness of India’s artistic heritage.

Bring Kumaon’s traditional aipan art to your walls with Magicdecor’s aipan art with Om design wallpaper made of premium materials.