The Hindu : New Delhi News : Uttarakhand exhibits art and craft heritage

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Thursday, Nov 22, 2007
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New Delhi

Uttarakhand exhibits art and craft heritage

Madhur Tankha

NEW DELHI: Endowed with a rich cultural heritage, Uttarakhand is showcasing its unique art and craft at the ongoing India International Trade Fair at Pragati Maidan .

The highlight in the arts and crafts section of the State pavilion is Aipan which is the main component of Kumaoni folk art. It is the local version of the ritual art of ‘alpana’ making, a domestic art form that has been passed down over generations. “Aipans are drawn on the floor of the room where rituals are performed. Some of the products made from the motifis of Aipan like shawls and stoles, wall hangings, table mats are being showcased at the stalls of our State,” said K. C. Chamoli, who works for the Uttarakhand Government.

Ringaal, a species of bamboo found all over the Himalayas is used for making products by farmers in the Kumaon region as a tradition. Some Ringaal-based products like baskets, kitchen utility items, mats and furniture are being displayed.

“Most of the crafts being showcased at the pavilion this year have been designed as utility items. Some of these crafts were beginning to fade away with the availability of modern machine made utility products. To revive these crafts and to promote these specialised products for commercialisation, the Uttarakhand Handloom and Handicraft Development Council was constituted by the Government,” said an official.

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