Kavad is a folk tradition of Rajasthan that combines religion, mythology, storytelling and art. A kavad is a portable wooden shrine on which stories of gods, goddesses, saints and heroes are painted. It is used by wandering priests called kavadiya bhatts who narrate the stories, panel by panel. Kavad makers combine the skills of carpentry and painting. The stories are usually painted on a red background using mineral colours. At our online art workshop #RajasthaniRang, award-winning Kavad artist Satyanarayan Suthar will explain the basics of Kavad painting, demonstrate the techniques, and teach you to make your first Kavad painting. The workshop will be in Hindi.

You will need:

- 5-6 thick A4 size sheets

- Pencil, eraser, sharpener and scale 

- Paint brush set

- Poster Colours: Orange, Chrome Yellow, Sap Green, Indian Red (Brown), Light Green, Scarlett Red, Cobalt Blue, Black & White

- Rough cloth, colour palette, a mug or glass for water.

- Familiarity with Hindi (as the workshop will be in conversational Hindi)

About the presenter

Satyanarayan Suthar learnt the art of kavad-making from his father. He has won several awards for his art, including the National Award in 2014. He has participated in several national exhibitions and festivals, as well as conducted several workshops. He has collaborated with artist Nina Sabnani on an animated film Baat Wahi Hai and an illustrated book It’s All The Same published by Tulika Books, Chennai. He lives in Bassi in Chittorgarh district in Rajasthan.