AIPAN RANGOLI

Aipan

Aipan is a traditional Rangoli form used in the state of Uttarakhand, now Uttaranchal. The art is connected with significant social, cultural, and religious importance. Aipan designs are mainly drawn at places of worship in Uttarakhand, as well as the main entry door and the front courtyard of the house. The art form of Aipan is passed down from generation to generation on the Indian subcontinent.

Patterns are passed down from mothers to daughters and daughters-in-law. Some of the designs are religiously significant and are notably constructed during ceremonies such as weddings, threading ceremonies, naming ceremonies, and so on, to execute rituals. Each Aipan design has a special significance to it and is designed with a specific purpose in mind. Some of the most popular Aipan designs are listed here.

Traditional Aipan

Traditional Aipan designs include 

Namkarna Chauki

Namkarna Chauki is a baby naming ritual done on the eleventh day of his birth. Namkarna Chauki Aipan is shown in the courtyard where the surya darshan (first exposure to the sun) is done. to the sun) is done.

Bhadra

The Bhadra form of Aipan is drawn in the puja room and during yajnas. It is further classified into numerous types based on the amount of dots. Bindu bhadra is a bhadra with 12 dots, whereas bindu bhadra with 24 dots is a bhadra with 24 dots.

Acharya Chauka

At the time of dhuliarghya, the kulguru stands on Acharya Chauka while conducting the marital ceremonies from the bridegroom's side.

Namkarna Chauki

Namkarna Chauki is a baby naming ritual done on the eleventh day of his birth. Namkarna Chauki Aipan is shown in the courtyard where the surya darshan (first exposure to the sun) is done. to the sun) is done.

Bhuiyan

The Bhuiyan design is created on the outside of a Soop (an ugly sketch of a demon). The depiction of Lakshmi-Narayan may be found on the inside side of the 'Soop.'

Janeo

Janeo Aipan is for the 'Janeo' ritual, which is a boy's threading ceremony. In the centre of the design, there are 15 dots.

Dhuliarghya Var Chauka

At the time of marriage, Dhuliarghya Var Chauka is drawn. The bridegroom simply stands on the Chauka when he is introduced and greeted by the bride's family.

Lakshmi Peeth

Lakshmi Peeth is drawn on Deepawali in the puja room.

Lakshmi Padchinha

On Deepawali, a Lakshmi Padchinha, Goddess Lakshmi's footsteps, is drawn from the main door of the home to the worship area.

Astadal Kamal

The aipan drawn in place of a Havan is Astadal Kamal. Its design has octagonal geometry, lotus petals, and a swastika in the centre.

Swastika

Swastika represents creativity and progress, and it inspires individuals to keep moving forward in their pursuit of achievement. A swastika is painted if the Aipan of a certain event is unknown.

Vasudhara

Vasudhara is created around the Pooja Vedika, the house's doorsteps, the prayer location, and the Tulsi plant. The area to be adorned is painted with Geru (red dirt), and then vertical lines in odd numbers like 5, 7, 9, or 11 are drawn on it with Bishwar (soaked rice powder).

Aipan of Door Step

The Aipan painted on the house's doorstep has a lovely design and aesthetic value. This pattern is sometimes blended with Vasudhara to give it a more exquisite appearance.