Women Artists of Bengal: Alpona

Embedded within the cultural tapestry of Bengal is the revered and adored tradition of Broto Alpona, ‘Broto’ meaning the rituals practiced socially as a means of prayer or a wish to the divine and ‘Alpona’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Alimpana’ which translates to ‘plastering’ or ‘coating’. Mostly done by the women of the house, the smear of white on the red floors was like painted prayers.