In-Person Lakshmi Chowk Aipan Painting Workshop

Join us for in-person workshop with Master artist Ruchi Nainwal DATE: Sunday, 27th September TIME: 1 PM to 3 PM Location: MeMeraki Store, The Kunj, Vasant Kunj Hands-On Workshop with Ruchi Nainwal Celebrate Diwali through Aipan, the traditional ritual art of Kumaon, Uttarakhand, in this special hands-on workshop with master artist Ruchi Nainwal. Hailing from Bhimtal and now based in Haldwani, Ruchi Nainwal learned Aipan through observation and practice under the guidance of her mother and Bua. Her journey began when she participated in a district-level art competition in Nainital while in Grade 9, where she won first place and discovered her passion for the art form. Today, Ruchi works as a master trainer for Aipan art with the government and serves as the Aipan Art Project Head at Pahadi Haat. Deeply committed to keeping the tradition connected to its cultural roots, she particularly enjoys working with Aipan designs on wood and has a special affinity for the Lakshmi Chowki. In this Diwali-special workshop, participants will learn to create a Lakshmi Chowk, an auspicious Aipan design traditionally made during Diwali as part of household festive and puja practices. Ruchi will guide participants through the composition of the design while introducing them to its symbolism and cultural significance. What We’ll Cover During the workshop, participants will explore: The origins and cultural context of Aipan The significance of Lakshmi Chowk during Diwali The ritual and symbolic significance of the Lakshmi Chowk The traditional elements and composition of the Lakshmi Chowk How the design is structured and drawn Techniques for creating the Lakshmi Chowk by hand The continued relevance of Aipan in contemporary practice Participants will create their own Lakshmi Chowk on handmade paper, working alongside Ruchi through the process step by step. [split] Aipan Motifs [split] Materials Handmade paper Acrylic paints Brushes Stationery