Kavad Craft
Wooden Artwares
History
Kavad—mobile shrines—are traditional portable wooden boxes from Rajasthan, dating back 500 years. Originating in Mewar, they feature painted mythological stories and were used in festivals and processions. Carried by the Kavadia Bhat, a singing priest who narrates the tales, these shrines bring deities to the people. Today, kavads have evolved with smaller sizes and new themes, including educational content and wedding stories, preserving and modernizing the craft.
Raw Materials and Tools
RAW MATERIALS: Neem wood, Semal wood, Mango wood
TOOLS: Saw, Drilling Tool, Filer, Paint brush, Hammer
Process
Kavads are vertical wooden cabinets with two central doors and a figure of the sun on top. Additional hinged doors may be attached on each side. The kavad is made from light-weight wood like sweet neem, semal, or mango. The wood is cut, treated with insecticides, and sun-dried before being smoothed with sandpaper. The painting process involves multiple layers of adhesive, primer, and a red base coat. The paintings are created using stone powder mixed with adhesive, depicting various episodes of the narrative. Each door panel is divided into horizontal sections, with painted images depicting the sequence of the story.
Design and Color
The painted kavads feature depictions of Indian mythology, including episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagvatpurana. The central deity is a deep-relief carved image. The motifs and designs showcase intricate details, characterizing the lifestyle and mythology of the depicted regions. Colorful foliage, trees, rivers, and mountains are often depicted in their natural colours.
Product Range
Traditionally, kavads were used as mobile shrines for religious processions, but this usage has declined with time. Today, kavad making has shifted to smaller sizes and includes new themes like educational illustrations and wedding invitations. Contemporary kavads reflect the changing needs and interests of the audience.