  This paper presents a demonstration of the developed prototype showcasing a
way to preserve the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Uttarakhand, India. Aipan
is a traditional art form practiced in the Kumaon region in the state of
Uttarakhand. It is typically used to decorate floors and walls at places of
worship or entrances of homes and is considered auspicious to begin any work or
event. This art is associated with a great degree of social, cultural as well
as religious significance and is passed from generation to generation. However,
in the present era of modernization and technological advancements, this art
form now stands on the verge of depletion. This study presents a humble attempt
to preserve this vanishing art form through the use of Virtual Reality (VR).
Ethnographic studies were conducted in Almora, Nainital, and Haldwani regions
of Uttarakhand to trace the origins as well as to gain a deeper understanding
of this art form. A total of ten (N =10) Aipan designers were interviewed.
Several interesting insights are revealed through these studies that show the
potential to be incorporated as a VR experience.
