Kumaon is bounded on the east by Nepal and the north by Tibet. It derives its name from Kurmavatar( tortoise incarnation of Lord Vishnu). Apart from its beautiful scenic views, sweets, and glorious temples, one thing that is indigenous to the Kumaon region is the Aipan Art.
Aipan art is the traditional art form of Kumaon. Aipan word is derived from the Sanskrit word “Lepana,” which means to plaster. Whenever you enter a Kumaoni household, you will notice a red and white intricately designed artform on every doorstep. This artform signifies the bringing of prosperity and invocation of divine power in one’s household. It is an art form that is passed on from generation to generation. From a mother to her daughter and daughter-in-law, and so on.
One such daughter who was passionate about Aipan art was Minakshi Khati. She started learning this art form from her grandmother ever since she was a little girl. As she grew up, she realized that this art form was slowly losing its identity as people were too occupied with work to practice this art form. This inspired her to promote Aipan. She started making Aipan designs on Keychains, Teacups, and nameplates and started posting pictures on social media. It was an instant hit amongst people.
In 2019, she finally started her own venture Minakrti: The Aipan Project, where within a year, she delivered over 1000 orders. People from metro cities such as Delhi, Mumbai wanted more and more of her products, she says.
Social media has played a vital role in the promotion of her items. Khati says, “Every household in Kumaon has a woman who knows Aipan art. We collaborate with these women and help them in earning through us.” They earn 35000 and more in a month through which they pay the women connected with the project.
She has connected over 50 women with her project and conducts Aipan workshops both nationally and internationally. Her contribution towards the restoration of this artform has earned her the title “Aipan Girl” of Uttarakhand. The power of social media has definitely given the rightful recognition that both Aipan art and the Aipan Girl deserve.