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'.
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 Rangoli, 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). [1]
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