Crafts Maps of India - Uttaranchal

The basic designs of mural art are done around the Jiva Mantrika and known as Jyonti. These are painted to mark family rituals. The Aipan tradition of Almora is used to decorate walls and floors at places of worship and entrances of homes. Finely ground rice paste is used to pattern a terracotta red background. The patterns are auspicious and related to specific ceremonial occasions. The artwork depicts the deities Saraswati, Lakshmi, Vishnu and Shiva.