Art & Craft of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand's Artisan Traditions

The craft traditions of Uttarakhand have been shaped by centuries of mountain living — using locally available materials (bamboo, wood, wool, copper, clay) and expressing cultural and spiritual values through form and pattern. Many crafts are community-specific and passed down through generations within craft families.

1. Aipan (ऐपण)

Region: Kumaon • Tradition: Women's folk art

Aipan is Kumaon's most distinctive folk art form — intricate patterns drawn on floors and walls using red clay (geru) as background and rice paste (bisvar) for white patterns. Aipan is traditionally created by women at auspicious occasions — weddings, festivals, births and religious ceremonies.

Each Aipan pattern has specific religious meaning — patterns for Lakshmi Puja, patterns for welcoming a bride, patterns for Harela. The most complex Aipan patterns are found in temples of Almora and Champawat. In 2020, Aipan received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

Today, Aipan is also created on paper, fabric and digital media — finding its way into textiles, packaging and interior design globally.

2. Ringal Craft

Region: All Uttarakhand (particularly Garhwal) • Material: Ringal bamboo

Ringal (a thin mountain bamboo species) grows abundantly in the forests of Uttarakhand at altitudes of 2,000–3,500m. Skilled artisans weave Ringal into baskets, mats, trays, furniture, walking sticks and decorative items. The weaving patterns are complex and region-specific.

The craft is particularly strong in the Chamoli, Uttarkashi and Rudraprayag districts of Garhwal. Ringal craft items are sold at GMVN emporia and cooperative stores across Uttarakhand.

3. Woollen Textiles & Shawls

Region: Kumaon and Garhwal • Material: Wool, Pashmina

The cold mountain climate has driven the development of exceptional woollen textile traditions in Uttarakhand. The most famous are:

• Munsiyari Shawls: Traditional hand-woven woollen shawls from Pithoragarh district, made from local Bhutia sheep wool — warm, durable and beautiful
• Uttarkashi Pattoo: Handwoven woollen fabric used for blankets, jackets and traditional dress
• Pashmina Shawls: Ultra-fine shawls woven from Himalayan goat (Changra) wool, particularly from the Johar Valley near Munsiyari

4. Copper & Brass Craft

Region: Almora (Tamta community) • Tradition: Hereditary metalwork

Almora is famous for its Tamta community — hereditary copper and brass craftsmen who have practised their craft for generations. They produce beautiful utensils, ritual vessels, decorative items and jewellery using traditional techniques of hammering, embossing and engraving. The copper work of Almora has a GI tag and is sold in craft emporia across India.

5. Stone Carving

Region: Garhwal (Pithoragarh, Chamoli) • Material: Slate and stone

Traditional stone carving is seen in the intricate doorframes, window panels and temple sculptures across Garhwal. The Wadia family of Almora were famous stone carvers. Today, stone carving is revived as an artisan craft at several centres in Chamoli and Uttarkashi.

6. Wood Carving

Region: Tehri Garhwal, Almora • Material: Walnut, Deodar wood

Traditional wooden doors, windows and furniture from the old Tehri royal palace and temple complexes show exceptional woodcarving skills. The motifs include floral patterns, birds and Hindu deities. Contemporary wood carvers in Almora and Tehri produce decorative items, utensils and jewellery boxes.

7. Traditional Jewellery

Uttarakhand has distinct jewellery traditions — particularly in Kumaon:

• Nathuli: Traditional nose ring worn by Kumaoni women
• Hansuli: Heavy silver neck collar — part of traditional bridal jewellery
• Dungri Tops: Kumaoni-style silver earrings
• Payal (Anklets): Silver anklets with bells, worn traditionally

Where to Buy Authentic Crafts