ALPONA

Well, since I'm Bangladeshi in heritage, I'm gonna write about ALPONAs first. It is one of

the many great cultural heritages of Bangladesh, and a beatiful form of art.It is one of

those artforms that are done in groups (well, you can do it alone if you've got the time and

the stamina....) so, its really fun too.

Alpona's are a kind of design. I mean if we were to derive a technical term for alpona, it

would have to be design. But lets face it, there's more to it than just a design. Alpona

(aal-po-naa) has been in our culture from a long time. And today, it can be seen at any

kinds of festivals or celebration at the country (that's the magic of it, it warms its

admirers and brings a festive atmosphere). Mostly they are seen at wedding parties, Cultural

Festivals, or any occasion. Some of the best ones we get to see are the ones for "Pohela

Boishakh"(celebration of Bengali new year) Falgun Utshob (spring celebration), and on 21st

february, the world motherlanguage day, here at Dhaka Shoheed Minaar. These are the best,

done by the students of Dhaka University Fine Arts department.



Mainly it is done on the floor af a space-corridors, balconies, rooms, or on roads or road

junctions. Basically it is done as a welcoming gesture
The whole point of it is to make a eye warming design using line, circles, ovals, leaf

shapes, swirls and twirls, and paisely and so and so...you get the idea. The colors depend

on the artists choice. But in the most seen types, there is first a white outline...and then

each section is filled with a differet color. It can be og any type- symmetrical, swirly,

directional...anything it usually depends on the artist and the space they are working on.
One of the great things about getting to do an alpona is that you are at liberty to do

anything you want, and you get to work as a group. That feeling...working with everyone,

talking, joking, goofing around and still doing something creative...Its ajust divine.

Here are some done by us.....