India is a land of rich cultural heritage and diverse art forms. One of the most unique and fascinating art forms is the Kaavad art of Rajasthan. Kaavad is a portable wooden shrine with visual narratives of gods, goddesses, local heroes, saints, and patrons on its panels hinged together. A wandering priest (Kaavadiya Bhatt) narrates the stories depicted on the Kaavad to the listeners (jajmans) who invite him to their homes. As each panel opens up, the listener's curiosity grows and the story unfolds.

History of the Kaavad Art:

The Kaavad art dates back to around 500 years ago when it originated in the village of Bassi in the Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan. The word ‘kaavad’ is derived from the Hindi word ‘kivaad’, which means a wooden door. The art of making Kaavad is the preserve of the Suthar community, who are carpenters and painters. They craft the wooden boxes from mango and selam trees and paint them with natural or mineral colors. The traditional Kaavad always had red as the base, but now they are available in more colors like yellow, green, and blue.

The stories depicted in the Kaavad are mostly from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as folklore and local legends. The kaavadiyas trace their ancestry to the mythological character Shravan, who was accidentally killed by Raja Dashrath (Lord Ram’s father) while he was carrying his blind parents in a ‘kaawadi’ on his shoulders. As his last wish, he asked Raja Dashrath to bring the shrine to his parents so that they could worship the gods. This is where the concept of the storytelling art of Kaavad started.

The Kaavad art is not only a medium of storytelling, but also a medium of social interaction and exchange. The kavadiyas travel from village to village, carrying their Kaavads on their shoulders or a bicycle. They are welcomed by the jajmans, who offer them food, shelter, and money in return for their stories. The kavadiyas also act as messengers, carrying news and information from one place to another. The Kaavad art thus creates a bond between the storyteller and the listener and between different communities and regions.

However, Kaavad art is facing a decline in modern times, due to the changing lifestyles, preferences, and modes of entertainment. Fewer people are interested in listening to the stories of the Kaavad, and fewer kavadiyas are practicing the art. Kaavad art is also facing competition from other forms of media, such as television, cinema, and the internet. The Kaavad art needs preservation and promotion, as it is a valuable part of our cultural heritage and identity.

From where can you get kaavad art?

This is where Sumaavi comes in. We are a brand that celebrates the art and culture of India and brings it to the contemporary audience. We offer a range of products inspired by the Kaavad art, these products are handcrafted by the skilled artisans of Rajasthan, who use traditional techniques and materials to create the Kaavad art. We also provide a platform for the kavadiyas to showcase their stories and skills.

Our products are not only beautiful and functional, but also meaningful and educational. They tell the stories of our past, present, and future, and inspire us to learn more about our culture and heritage. We also support the livelihoods of the artisans and storytellers and help them preserve and promote their art. Our products are a perfect way to bring the ancient art of storytelling to life and to add a touch of culture and creativity to your home and office.

One of the most popular products of Sumaavi is the Rajasthani Kaavad Art Blue Color, which is a stunning piece of art that depicts the story of Lord Ram and Sita. The product is made of wood and painted with a blue color, which gives it a royal and elegant look. The product has multiple panels that can be opened and closed, revealing different scenes from the Ramayana. The product is a great way to decorate your space and also to narrate the story to your family and friends.

Another product that you will love is the Rajasthani Kaavad Art Black and White Color, which is a sleek and stylish piece of art that depicts the story of Lord Krishna and Radha. The product is made of wood and painted with black and white color, which gives it a modern and minimalist look. The product has multiple panels that can be opened and closed, revealing different scenes from the life of Lord Krishna and Radha. The product is a great way to add some contrast and charm to your space and also to share the story with your loved ones.

If you are looking for a unique and meaningful gift for someone special, our products are the perfect choice. They are not only aesthetically pleasing and useful but also culturally rich and expressive. They will surely make the recipient feel special and appreciated and also introduce them to the wonderful world of Kaavad art. Sumaavi’s products are a great way to celebrate the art and culture of India and to keep the ancient art of storytelling alive. So what are you waiting for? Contact us for more details now!