Alponaaaa : Unique Art Style of Bengal

Introduction

Alpana or Alpona (Both versions / spellings are valid and used with equal weightage, however wished to) , as you like to call it , is a traditional art form specific to Bengal itself. It primarily entails the folk art form encompassing festivals or such other religious ceremonies. Beautiful motifs are done on the walls and floors which have immense artistic value too. Primarily religious in nature, alpona was / is considered a very sacred ritual taken care of primarily by the women folk. It is not a mere drawing of a few geometrical patterns and shapes. It has deeper traditional and cultural history rooted to it. Notwithstanding the fact that it is primarily decorative , it clearly is the finest form of art,craft and painting. The most intriguing fact being it is done down generations and people usually see and learn the craft. Then they do it and eventually master it. It’s fancy how we are by default born with the sense of art which flourishes when it finds a path for itself, it’s fascinating rather .

 

Origin

Linguistic wise , the word alpana / alpona derives itself from the word Alimpana which simply means to coat or plaster. Explained easily, it can be said or taken as a form of Rangoli patterns followed all across India during ceremonial rituals. Hence, the custom of being taken care of primarily by the women folk. Rice flour or paste is the primary ingredient for Alpona which are mainly flower petals for Rangoli. Alpona is no doubt ritualistic in nature and often spiritual too, given it is done during the festivals. So it ranges a wide variety of purpose beliefs like abundance , harmony or even improving fertility and bringing happiness to homes.

 

Motifs and Processes

 

The motifs hugely vary on the basis of region, occasion and personal / community beliefs.

Floral patterns , general or abstract, symbolise purity and devotion. This type is used during Lokkhi Pujo and weddings.

Geometrical shaped Alponaa like those of circle, triangle , square and other symmetries represent

harmony and cosmic balance of life.

Kolka art is a typical Alpona art form also found in textiles , symbolizing fertility and abundance.

Lokkhi Pujo has this unique feature of having Lokkhi Thakurer payer chaap along with the Lokkhir jhaapi , chiruni, gaach kouto in the place where Lokkhi Thakur is seated. Owls, conch shells, swastik symbols all constitute the design patterns. Mandala-like concentric series or patterns of design also constitute Alpona.

Alpona is usually white in colour in its traditional form. However, following Rangoli, these days people love making things colourful. Often, poster or water colours are used in that case. Or , the white mix gets two drops of some colour to make it color tinged, whichever.

 

Challenges faced

Intergenerational transfer of the craft is facing a threat. Mothers and daughters used to unanimously work together to learn the craft and pass it on. This has seen a downfall. The correct symmetry of paste is a troublesome affair. A lot of people now prefer using stencils to make life easier. Also, stickers are available which already have the pre embedded pattern in it. These are in no comparison to the traditional hand drawn art form. Modern competitive urban life wants everything ready made as there is a severe crunch of time yet immense effort requirement. This has reflected in the lack of spending time on Alpona. Modern tiled flooring also is not a very good fit for Alpona patterns. Besides all these, gender bias is an issue which is not so trivial as anyone can take up the craft these days only if they wish to.

 

Cultural importance / contemporary relevance

 

The Bengal custom considers the rice paste ingredient a sacred one which has the power to bring in abundance and harmony. Alpona is no doubt ritualistic in nature. Hence, cultural beliefs are intertwined with it in a lot of ways too. Alpona also has an agrarian linkage to itself.

In very recent times, this alpona has been found to be slowly taken out of its default ritualistic context. It has been given a far more free and secular feel. In fact it has emerged as a form of street art as well. One can find extensive and elaborate alpana drawn during various festivals at Viswa Bharati / Rabindra Bharati campus, both abodes of the bard. Yuva Bharti Stadium proudly flaunted the Under-17 FIFA World Cup with such. During Covid , such art forms were used to inform people and make them aware.

 

During recent protests or even Durga Puja , Alpana has taken a very significant and poignant place on the streets. Maybe, this could help in keeping the art form alive and propagating the same across generations. Also art schools, these days, are working to include this art form into their curriculum so that discussions and diasporas can make it a very happening thing to be. Not to forget, these days alpana ranges from wedding cards way up to corporate logos. Also, to be mentioned is the fact that Alpona motifs are even digitally adapted. These defy the exact definition though. Yet, this improvised art form shares its links in many ways with a wide range of environment-friendly activities. This includes using natural materials adding to sustainability.

 

Conclusion

Abanindranath Tagore was among the many propagators of Alpona culture in Bengal. Alpona therefore stands as the biggest testament of artistic brilliancies that brings together culture and handmade crafting under one roof. Alpona motifs are unique showing the intense creative sides of individuals they’re naturally born with. It is our duty to keep exploring the world of Alpona to make sure that the art form never fades into the oblivion.

 

 

References

 

The ritualistic art of Alpana is an integral part of Bengali culture https://share.google/QQBPbX5zMFKcYjqLN

 

Alpona Art: The Symbolic Motifs of Bengali Festivals https://share.google/PDzv5c8rC1LxB6wxW

 

Aipan or Alpana https://share.google/OqfSLC4OhwNllELRD

 

How Alpana, the floor art of Bengal, became a part of its culture milieu https://share.google/3S2DgqbBGNmie3KBL

 

Alpana – Alpana Designs, Indian Alpana Design, Alpana Patterns, Alpana Art https://share.google/yiandyH4VeaEKkUBQ

 

How did the Folk Art of Alpona come to Bengal? ht

tps://share.google/ZS4gd6wROeSITBGyE