Almora: There are many such arts in the folk culture of Uttarakhand, which are not limited to just decoration, but are deeply connected with faith, tradition and positive energy. One of these is the famous traditional folk art of Kumaon region, Biswar Aipan Art. This art has been made for years to decorate the thresholds, door frames, worship places and courtyards of houses on auspicious occasions. Biswar Aipan not only beautifies the home but also fills it with auspiciousness, prosperity and spiritual energy.
Special art is made from red ocher and rice
The biggest feature of Biswar Appan is its natural ingredients. It is made from white rice paste on the background of red ocher i.e. red soil, which is called Biswar in the local language. Women of Kumaon region carve this art with the help of their fingers. Especially using the index, middle and ring fingers, very fine and beautiful shapes are made. This is the reason why every iPhone looks different and special in itself.
Traditional process of making Biswar Appan
The process of making Biswar Appan may seem simple, but it requires a lot of attention and skill. First of all the floor or wall is cleaned thoroughly. After this, a smooth and uniform surface is prepared by plastering the place with wet red ocher soil. Then the cooked rice is ground in water to make a thick white slurry, which is called Biswar. With this Biswar, women make figures on ocher with their finger tips, due to which beautiful lines of aipan emerge.
The designs made in Biswar Appan also have special significance. It includes many traditional symbols like Swastika, Lakshmi’s feet, chowki, lamp, conch, bell, vine-bushes, flowers-leaves, moon-sun and geometrical instruments. Swastika is considered a symbol of auspiciousness and auspiciousness. The worship of Lakshmi’s feet indicates the arrival of wealth and prosperity. Chowki or Chaupar symbolizes the seat of the deities, which has special significance in worship and rituals. Whereas designs related to flowers, leaves and nature represent life, fertility and beauty.
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faith tradition
Biswar Aipan is not just a folk art, but a tradition deeply rooted in faith and spiritual beliefs. It is believed that making Aipan in the house keeps away negative energy and brings happiness, peace and prosperity in the environment. This is the reason why making Aipan on weddings, festivals, pujas, fasts and other auspicious occasions is considered important in the Kumaon region.
Tradition persists even in changing times
In today’s modern times, Biswar Appan has also adopted new forms. Now the use of synthetic colors, paints and stencils available in the market has also increased. Despite this, the specialty of Aipan made from traditional ocher and rice bran is still considered unique. This art is the cultural identity of Kumaon, which has been maintaining its tradition and importance from generation to generation.
