Alpona is a floor art which originated from the women of rural Bengal and has been in practice for many centuries, although the exact origin period is unknown to historians. Other than floors and walls, Alponas were also painted on low wooden stools called peedi, paddy storage areas and earthen pots which were used for auspicious occasions. The word Alpona is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘alimpana’, meaning ‘to plaster’ or ‘to coat with.’ Traditionally all Alponas are supposed to be only white in colour, but with the advent of time colours have been incorporated, specially green from green leaves, yellow from tumeric and red from vermillion when done organically. Another alternative is ‘Khori Maati’ instead of rice paste. One of the most significant feature of Alpona is it’s nature to design concept. In the olden times, the women had no formal training in art and they would draw their inspiration from whatever they saw around them.