The
tradition of colourful ornamentation on Aanchal cloth is a unique
Kumaoni tradition, rooted deep in its long history. In all ritual
ceremonies women wear the colourful Pichhora, also known as Rangwali
or Kusumia. It is a piece of muslin cloth, three mts. in length
and one to one and a half mts in width, which is dyed yellow and dried
under shade. It is then spread on the floor and printed with design. This
is done with a padded wooden stick, using red colours. At the centre is
the sign of Swastik, and the motifs of sun, moon, bell and conch
shell. Around this motif, red concentric circles are stamped with the help
of padded small coins. The outermost ring ends up in zigzag ornaments.
In one tradition, the lemon yellow background bears pink, or red
rose patterns, whereas in the Kusumia, the traditional yellow base
has crimson or red patterns embossed on it. The red colour is the symbol
of abiding conjugal life Suhaag, the warmth of fire and sun,
health and wealth, the joy of spring; and the, golden colour means
attachment for the material world. The combination of the two colours is
symbolic of the focal theme of a functional life.
Home
>>States >>
Uttaranchal Travel Guide >>
Art Heritage
>>Paintings >> Rangwali
»
