Alpana
Encyclopedia
Alpana refers to colourful motifs, sacred art or painting done on a horizontal surface on auspicious occasions in Bengal
like Puja, wedding or community events . The art typically has some religious significance. This type of art is found on the Indian subcontinent
. The word Alpana is derived from the Sanskrit alimpana, which means 'to plaster' or 'to coat with'.
, which uses colored sand to draw a design. The artwork is mainly done by women. it is firstly done in Bengal. They are conscious of the changing moods of the seasons and their creativity thus marks the changing cycle of the year.It is done in black or white color only. However, traditionally in Bengal, alpana is strictly white since the liquid paste used for alpana is rice powder mixed in water.
Circular alpana is used as a holy pedestal during festivals such as the Lakshmi puja
in Bengal and the Festival of Lights (Diwali
). Items drawn with the technique include the sun, a rice stem, an owl, a ladder, a plough, a leg of the goddess Lakshmi
, a fish, betel
, a lotus and shankhalata (a snake).
Bengal
Bengal is a historical and geographical region in the northeast region of the Indian Subcontinent at the apex of the Bay of Bengal. Today, it is mainly divided between the sovereign land of People's Republic of Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal, although some regions of the previous...
like Puja, wedding or community events . The art typically has some religious significance. This type of art is found on the Indian subcontinent
Indian subcontinent
The Indian subcontinent, also Indian Subcontinent, Indo-Pak Subcontinent or South Asian Subcontinent is a region of the Asian continent on the Indian tectonic plate from the Hindu Kush or Hindu Koh, Himalayas and including the Kuen Lun and Karakoram ranges, forming a land mass which extends...
. The word Alpana is derived from the Sanskrit alimpana, which means 'to plaster' or 'to coat with'.
Uses of Alpana
The art is known by different names in various parts of India and its use varies from region to region. The most common type of alpana all around India is RangoliRangoli
Rangoli is a traditional decorative folk art from India. These are decorative designs made on floors of living rooms and courtyards during Hindu festivals and are meant as sacred welcoming areas for the Hindu deities. The ancient symbols have been passed on through the ages, from each generation to...
, which uses colored sand to draw a design. The artwork is mainly done by women. it is firstly done in Bengal. They are conscious of the changing moods of the seasons and their creativity thus marks the changing cycle of the year.It is done in black or white color only. However, traditionally in Bengal, alpana is strictly white since the liquid paste used for alpana is rice powder mixed in water.
Circular alpana is used as a holy pedestal during festivals such as the Lakshmi puja
Lakshmi Puja
Lakshmi puja is performed during Diwali, the festival of lights. According to tradition people would put small oil lamps outside their homes on Diwali and hope Lakshmi will come to bless them....
in Bengal and the Festival of Lights (Diwali
Diwali
Diwali or DeepavaliThe name of the festival in various regional languages include:, , , , , , , , , , , , , popularly known as the "festival of lights," is a festival celebrated between mid-October and mid-December for different reasons...
). Items drawn with the technique include the sun, a rice stem, an owl, a ladder, a plough, a leg of the goddess Lakshmi
Lakshmi
Lakshmi or Lakumi is the Hindu goddess of wealth, prosperity , light, wisdom, fortune, fertility, generosity and courage; and the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm. Representations of Lakshmi are also found in Jain monuments...
, a fish, betel
Betel
The Betel is the leaf of a vine belonging to the Piperaceae family, which includes pepper and Kava. It is valued both as a mild stimulant and for its medicinal properties...
, a lotus and shankhalata (a snake).