Craft Name: Aipan Art
Region: Kumaon, Uttarakhand
CRAFT
HISTORY
Aipan is a ritual folk art of the Kumaon region, traditionally drawn on floors and walls during festivals, births, weddings, and pujas. It uses red ochre background (geru) and white rice paste to create geometric and symbolic motifs. Passed down through women, Aipan designs depict laxmi padchinh, panchakosh, shaukat, and various deity-related patterns. Today, Aipan is used on paper, cloth, and wooden products.
WHAT MAKES IT UNIQUE:
- Red geru background with white rice paste.
- Strong ritual significance.
- Geometric, symbolic motifs.
- Women-led tradition.
Received a
GI tag in 2023
COLOURS
- Traditional palettes include rich jewel tones, maroon, emerald, navy, royal blue, paired with gold or silver zari.
- How much time does it take to make a product, and how many artisans are involved in making this craft? A Zardozi piece takes 3–20 days, involving 2–5 skilled karigars
COMMON MOTIFS
- Lakshmi Padchinh, Swastik, Ashtadal Lotus, Nav Durga Chowki, Saraswati Chowki, Vasudhara borders.
RAW MATERIAL
- Geru (red ochre)
- Rice paste (biswar)
- Cloth/stick or fingers for drawing
How much time does it take to make a product, and how many artisans are involved in making this craft?
An Aipan artwork takes 1–3 days, created by 1 woman artisan.
CRAFT MAKING PROCESS
HOW TO IDENTIFY AUTHENTIC AIPAN
- Always white on red.
- Freehand, flowing lines
- Ritual motifs with symbolic meaning.