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Many of you may already know that Aipan is created in Uttarakhand during Diwali. It’s a rangoli that dispels negative energy from the home. However, you may not know about the art of Aipan in Uttarakhand. It’s an art that has a direct connection to the occult practices of Europe and Tibet. Let’s learn more about it in this article.
Aipan is created in Uttarakhand during Diwali
With the arrival of Diwali, every home across the country begins to be decorated. However, in Uttarakhand, it’s customary to decorate not only the homes but also the doorsteps with our traditional folk art, Aipan. These red and white lines adorn the doorsteps, courtyards, and temples of Kumaon, Uttarakhand. These lines are made with red ochre and white rice paste. It is believed that by creating Aipan near the doorstep, courtyard, and Tulsi plant, Goddess Lakshmi is welcomed.
Aipan is connected to the powers of occultism
However, every line and every dot in this Alpana has a deep meaning. In fact, this is an invitation to invite gods and goddesses to your home. You may be surprised to learn that this Aipan is no ordinary design. It is a spiritual art form directly connected to the powers of witchcraft.
In Tibet, Aipan is created to ward off evil spirits
In fact, these Aipan, made from ochre and rice, are a powerful energy shield. These Aipan are said to expel negative energy from the home and invoke positive forces. You will be surprised to learn that this art of warding off evil forces is not limited to Uttarakhand. In Europe, similar symbols are created to ward off ghosts and the evil eye. These symbols are called Pontograms. In Tibet, the alpanas drawn on the ground to ward off evil spirits are called Kinlor.
A Thousand-Year-Old Tradition Under Threat
But today, this thousands-year-old art is facing a threat. In the race for commercialism, red and white paint and brushes have replaced ochre and rice. Ready-made stickers of Aipan are now available. They are easy to apply and look beautiful. The Uttarakhand Handloom and Handicrafts Development Council has even awarded Aipan a GI tag.
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