Kaavad from Rajasthan
He does not tire easily…in the forty minutes that I was there, Dwarka Prasad Jangid easily re told the story of Ramayana, Mahabharata, Meena and Krishna at least three times. And how! With pictures painted on the panels of the Kaavad from Rajasthan, a mobile temple or story telling on the go…it is an art of story telling which is easily 500 years old. Made of wood from the mango tree, it is a box which consists of panels of paintings opening to reveal hidden stories, panel after panel. Just like a temple, the doors are guarded by the two sentries, Jaya Vijay (You can check out their story here.) As the doors open, the story is revealed…and stops at the innermost sanctum sanctorium. The bigger, more elaborate Kaavads also have additional panels on stories of people. The Kaavad also has a compartment for money. There is a disclaimer on the Kaavad that the money given to the story teller will be utilised for the holy cows. And all those who listen to the story will be rewarded and blessed. But if the story is not heard, then they will be cursed.
Kaavad from Rajasthan. Pic Credit – Tejasweeni Iyer
Kaavad from Rajasthan. Pic Credit – Tejasweeni Iyer
Painting on fabric from Rajasthan. Pic Credit – Tejasweeni Iyer
Kaavad from Rajasthan
Kaavad from Rajasthan
Kaavad from Rajasthan
Kaavad from Rajasthan
Twinkles to all of you.
Anupama.