RESEARCH

What does a Kavad look like?

It has several wooden panels hinged together, painted with scenes from the stories. Outermost panels usually have the guardians of the story painted on them. The storyteller opens each panel and tells the story depicted there. After opening and closing all the folds, finally, when all the panels are open, reveals the sanctum – where the image of the main deity is placed.

It is like an audio-visual journey from outside to the inner world. You can also read it as a journey from outside the temple to its sanctum or Garbha Griha. After all, it is a shrine.