Kavad

A truly out-of-the-box craft, Kavad art combines the best of three worlds-carpentry (the suthar), painting (the chitrakar) and narration (the bhat). All neatly packaged and bursting to the brim with beloved stories and fork-lore.

Distinguishable by a bright red background and a penchant for storytelling, this craft is native to the village Bassi, in Rajasthan. Ranging from merely an inch to 2.5’ high, the box typically consists of 12 to 16 panels on wooden pivots and metal hinges.

The storytelling part is, of course, the best bit. Saints, sinners, thieves, jokers, kings and queens come to life within its walls. Oft heard stories of Ramayan and Mahabharat, of local heroes and saints all jostle for space, eager to be heard and revered. The Kavad art of Rajasthan doesn’t disappoint, the box’s outermost panels usually have the guardians of the story painted on them. The storyteller opens each panel and narrates the story in all its glory. Much opening and closing of the folds later reveals the sanctum containing the image of the main deity is placed.

In essence, it is a journey to the roots. A story with many chapters written, just a few read. Multiple experiences, places, people and things springing to life-but at the right time, of course.