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.
Topic
Arts & Crafts