Aipan
We have seen our family members decorating our houses since childhood, although this process of home decoration is going on since primitive Times. humans used to make paintings on the walls of caves with sharp stones. With time, as the power of thinking developed, humans found a simple way to fulfill basic needs like lighting fires, carrying goods, living in houses, growing crops, and at the same time learning to decorate homes in new ways. …………
With time, these methods changed, today we paint with colorful colors in place of sharp stones, instead of decorating the house with animal flesh, and bones, we decorate the houses with new toys, statues, etc. Eventually, these unique ways of man gave rise to some new customs and rituals. Over time, these same methods of decorating the house were handed over to the next generation along with new religious customs and thus a new custom started. ,
With time, however, we are carrying it as a burden by forgetting the religious and scientific facts behind our customs. It was a custom to keep women away from their groups during menstruation, but people without knowing its scientific fact have associated their superstitions with it and our society has refused to discuss this topic because perhaps till today we Cannot face the radar of our origin. And there was only one reason for women not to cook or to keep away from the group so that they could relax and spend time with themselves during the physical stress and exhaustion of menstruation.
Just as it is mandatory for married women to wear a pichoda in Kumaoni culture, in the same way, it is mandatory to give Aipan in auspicious works in homes, according to some ancient resources, the art of Aipan was started in Almora by Chand raja and Aipan initially started in Kumaun Mandal but the art with the time went well known throughout the state. This custom of ours started not only because of its beauty but also due to religious, and scientific facts related to it. Today we are going to discuss such a Kumaoni art which itself describes its beauty.
Creating Aipan -
The process of making Aipan begins with cow dung, considered the purest in Indian culture, first the place of worship is smeared with cow dung, then it is painted red with gerua and finally, the white color is made with soaked rice. Shapes are made from the solution prepared by grinding. After this, the place is decorated with red and white colors. In ancient times, natural colors were used while making Aipan, but today people also make Aipan with red, and white paint.
Shapes to be made in Aipan and their importance-
Just as the figures of God etc. were made in Pichoda, in the same way, the figures of Lord Krishna and Ganesha, the feet of Goddess Lakshmi, are made in Aipan. In Deepawali, the picture of Ganesha with Goddess Lakshmi, the picture of Shri Krishna in Govardhan Puja, etc. is made, mainly every figure represents the blessings of God and the importance of the place of worship, mainly in the Aipons, it is necessary to draw the feet of Goddess Lakshmi as a representation of lord blessings and wealth. It is a symbol of wealth, prosperity, and happiness.
Importance of colors of Aipan
The colors of Aipan are very beautiful in themselves, red and white colors seem to fulfill each other’s needs, it is a symbol of prosperity and peace, and they are considered to bring happiness and prosperity to the house.
Classification of Aipans
Aipans are classified into several parts based on their place ofmanufacture and Manglik functions. Such as Durga Puja, Shiva Puja, Saraswati Puja, auspicious functions of homes, etc. Based on the location, they are classified based on those built on the walls, those built in the chauki, those built in the temple, etc.
In other states, it is also known by many other names like Kolam, Alpana, Apone, etc.
Our culture, our identity
This is a small step taken by us in promoting our culture and if you want to be a part of our campaign then stay connected with us.
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Kumauni Aipan kala , Alpana, Aipan