Aipan: Uttarakhand’s Ancient Art Form Faces Modern Challenges

Saralnama

Uttarakhand's traditional Aipan art, created during Diwali, is more than just decoration. This rangoli-like design, made with red ochre and white rice paste, is believed to ward off negative energy and invite deities. Aipan has spiritual connections to European and Tibetan mystical practices. The art form, now GI-tagged, faces challenges from modern alternatives like stickers and paint. To make Aipan, use red ochre and white rice paste to draw patterns on doorsteps, courtyards, and near Tulsi plants. (Updated 20 Oct 2025, 19:42 IST; source: link)

Key Points

• Uttarakhand's traditional Aipan art, created during Diwali, is more than just decoration
• This rangoli-like design, made with red ochre and white rice paste, is believed to ward off negative energy and invite deities
• Aipan has spiritual connections to European and Tibetan mystical practices