Source : Aipan is an established-ritualistic folk art originating from Kumaon in the Indian Himalayas. Aipan art originated from Almora in Uttarakhand, which was founded during the reign of the Chand dynasty. It flourished during the reign of the Chand dynasty in the Kumaon region. The designs and motifs are motivated by the beliefs of the community and various aspects from nature.
The art is done mainly during special occasions, household ceremonies and rituals. Practitioners believe that it invokes a divine power which brings about good fortune and deters evil. The art is special as it is done on empty walls, which are brick-red in color, called Geru. It is created with a white paste made of rice flour.
The art is frequent to floors and walls of Puja rooms and entrances of homes. It is also practiced mostly by Kumaoni women. The art form has great social, cultural and religious importance.The art form is practised in different parts of India and known by different terms too. The art native to Kumaon is always done on a brick-red wall, which is also considered to be a symbol of fortune and fertility. Some of the motifs are Saraswati Chowki, Chamunda Hast Chowki, Nav Durga Chowki, Durga Thapa and Lakshmi Yantra.
