Art and Craft of Uttarakhand :

The popular art and Crafts of Uttaranchal are similar to those typically found in hilly areas. The peace and serenity of Uttaranchal has led to the development of paintings and other important arts. Stone and wood carvings also emerged as a famous art form in Uttaranchal. Take up cultural tours of Uttaranchal and see the various forms of arts and Crafts that have been practiced in the various parts of the state, since ages. 

Crafts usually utility items like doors, windows, rugs, carpets, baskets, copper utensils or the folk art Aipan made by Uttarakhandis have a unique touch of nature in their designs. Exquisite woodwork has been the specialty of Uttarakhand since times immemorial. Abundance of timber, the suitable temperature for insulation of wood, availability of local, skilled labour, prevalence of family tradition has contributed to the growth of this craft in this region. Historical evidences also support the presence of intricate wooden carvings in Uttarkahnd. Entire woodworks of ‘chaukhats’ and ‘tibaaris’ found here are now on display in the National Museum of Delhi. Utility and decorative items like walking sticks, animal figures, miniature models of famous temples, idols of Gods etc made by Uttarakhand craftsmen have acquired special place.

Murals :

The fine arts of Uttaranchal are decidedly geometric with a natural grace and simplified complexity. One will find almost every home and place of worship decorated with some kind of mural done either as a proper wall painting or in the form of Aipan and Peeth. Rangoli, a traditional Indian art displayed in front of the house, makes up a sacred and age-old practice. Aipan is one of the conventional forms of rangoli, mainly practiced in the state of Uttarakhand. The art has cultural as well as religious implication in the life of the Kumanois. 

Paintings :

Uttarakhand is interspersed with lush green trees, towering mountains and a clear blue sky. These things are enough to make someone a poet or an artist. This is just a fraction of the beauty of the hilly territory. Uttaranchal or specifically, Garhwal is home to one of the most beautiful and defining ‘Gharanas’ of miniature paintings known as the Garhwal School of Painting.

Some of the famous masterpieces of the Garhwal School of Painting include the following paintings:

Illustrations of Ramayana (1780 A.D), Celebrations of Balarama's birthday (1780 A.D), Series of Raginis, Utkal Nayika, Abhisarika Nayika, Krishna painting the feet of Radha, Radha looking into a mirror, Varhsa Vihar, Kaliya Daman, Illustrations of Gita Govinda

Dekara :

Dekaras are the clay models of the various Gods and Goddesses in three dimensional forms and are meant solely for worshipping purposes. These idols are prepared out of fine clay mixed with color. They are treated through different hues to make them look more attractive. During the festival of Kartik Sankranti, Lord Shiva's images are made which are known as Dekaras, and these depict the marriage of Shiva with Parvathi, the daughter of Himalaya.

Temple Architecture :

Temple architecture in any part of India has always been patronized by the kings and people ruling there as a way to leave an imprint on the pages of history. The rulers of yesteryears built some of the intricately carved and exquisite places of worship. 

Wood Carving :

The people of Uttaranchal are very creative in nature and the fact testifies itself in the beautiful temples that dot the entire land. The wood carvings of Garhwal and Kumaon are renowned for their simple yet delicate and attractive designs. 

The Craftsmen of Uttaranchal have attained great mastery over this art that is performed in almost all the parts of the state. Done mostly, on the temples and the doors of the houses, this local culture embellishes almost all the doors of the house. Locally called as Kholi, the embroidery on the doors mark the social status of a family. The main areas where one can see this art being performed are Dehradun and Nainital. Stone carving is also developing as a famous art in Uttaranchal. 

The Devalgarh Temple, The Temple of Srinagar-Garhwal and the Devi Madin are some of the prominent places where one can see some excellent examples of wood carvings.

Ornaments:

An important social and economic trademark of the people of Uttaranchal are the Ornaments, that developed as an important form of art since ages. The traditional artists and goldsmiths of Uttaranchal have created a niche for themselves in making conventionally exquisite ornaments. Done mostly on gold, silver and copper, these ornaments are an important representation of Uttaranchal culture.

         The northern Indian state of Uttarakhand is also an excellent hub to witness some of the finest items of art and craft. The variety of these items is a testimony to the state's rich cultural traditions. While on a tour to the cities and towns of Uttarakhand, you can also plan to have a peek into the exemplary craftsmanship, which one of the key features of the state. By exploring these art and craft items, one will be able to experience the artistic inclination of the people of the state.