Wood work

A speciality of the state of Uttarakhand, woodcraft is an integral part of the regional culture. Most Garhwali homes have intricately carved wooden doors that are a visual treat. The best examples of traditional wood carvings of Garhwal and Kumaon, which are intricate and delicate, can be seen adorning the palaces and temples in the region. Since there is abundant timber available, the craft is widely practiced. If you're visiting here, don't forget to buy decorative and utility items like animal figures, walking sticks, miniature models of famous temples, idols of gods and goddesses etc.

Wood work

Aipan

A conventional form of rangoli, aipan (alpana) is a traditional decoration made at the entrance of houses with a variety of ingredients like flower petals, coloured rice or flour. It is an age-old practice that is considered to be a continuation of the sacredness of the many festivals of which it is a part. The art of making aipan is practised mainly in Uttarakhand by Kumaonis. Besides entrances, walls, pieces of cloth and papers are also decorated with it. Various geometric patterns and figures of gods and goddesses are drawn, along with symbols of nature. The raw material used is ochre colour and rice paste. Once the base is ready, the pattern is drawn.

Aipan