Collection: Uttarakhand Art & Craft

Aipan (Aepan) a ritualistic folk art, native to the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, is drawn to commemorate auspicious occasions, festivals and rituals.

Traditionally, this art form was found on the floors and walls of the houses, but today it has marked its presence in many daily use objects, decoration pieces and in clothing. Aipan is drawn on a smooth surface that is prepared using wet ochre mud, known as geru, which is red in colour. A white paste is made by grounding cooked rice in water. This paste is known as bisvar and is used to draw patterns on the surface. The women use their fore, ring and middle finger to draw the patterns.

Aipan is believed to invoke divine power that attracts goodness and positivity and is practiced during specific rituals, ceremonies and special occasions. Aipan is originated in Uttarakhand in Almora district and was discovered during the Chand Dynasty’s reign. The art form has great social, cultural and religious importance.

Explore our collection of Aipan (Aepan) art handcrafted products.