'Aipan' is an art form used on walls and floors in attractive motifs using 'geru', a saffron red mud colour collected from forests and rice starch, locally called 'Biswar' paste.

She was barely six when she began to witness this art form being crafted by her mother and grandmother. These are forms were designed especially during Deepawali and other occasions.

The 24-year-old history graduate from Uttarakhand's Ramnagar town has taken Aipan to people's home. The art has become a source of livelihood for thousands of people in the Kumaon region. It is a traditional folk art of Uttarakhand.

The Kumaonis believe that Aipan invokes a divine power bringing good fortune.

'My curiosity about Aipan prompted me to make my own designs. To my friends, my fascination was simply funny and something which fitted only for an amateur. But I persisted with my passion.'

Art forms like Aipan are also known as 'alpana' and 'arpan' in other parts of the country. She recalls that when she had completed the first design by herself, her grandmother praised her and blessed her that she would excel in this field undoubtedly.

'I studied this art in depth for three years to know the origins of it and concluded that the Aipan art has its roots in the Chand Dynasty around 8th century.'

She aims to popularize the art among young people. She wants to link this art form with employment. She has given a new identity to the folk art of Kumaon in Uttarakhand where she is today known as 'Aipan Girl'.

Minakshi has carried forward the legacy in her 5-year professional journey from 2018. Aipan trainers, including women self-help groups, in the country and abroad have been given training through social media, workshops in schools and exhibitions.

She also runs a project called 'Meenakriti -- The Aipan Project.' She started in December 2019. More than 4,000 women in Uttarakhand have made their employment through this art. Currently, the Uttarakhand government is celebrating a fortnight of Aipan Art with wall paintings in red colour Aipan designs, greeting cards, wall designs and nameplate designs. According to Minakshi, the annual turnover of Aipan Art has crossed Rs 40 lakh.

Minakshi has recieved many honours. She also got a chance to meet the President of the country in 2022.

People like Minakshi are there who have upholded the preservation of traditional art form. Respecting it and trying to extend it as a source of employment is what shines here.

Reference:-

• newsindianexpress.com