The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) will present Kaavad Katha: Doors of Maya on 22 March from 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm at Durbar Hall, Kochi, as part of the ongoing Kochi-Muziris Biennale. The event brings together storytelling, folk music, and visual art in a performative narrative inspired by Rajasthan’s traditional Kaavad storytelling practice.
Inspired by the Kaavad Storytelling Tradition
The performance draws inspiration from Kaavad Katha, a centuries-old storytelling tradition from Rajasthan. The Kaavad is a portable wooden shrine with multiple painted panels that open like doors, revealing scenes from epics, folklore, and local histories as the storyteller narrates the story.
Traditionally narrated by travelling storytellers known as Kaavadiya Bhats, the unfolding of each panel reveals a new chapter of the narrative, blending visual imagery with oral storytelling.
A Performative Journey Through the Worlds of Maya
Titled Doors of Maya, the performance invites audiences into a layered narrative world where characters and stories intersect across time and space. The storytelling unfolds as a journey through multiple universes shaped by the philosophical idea of Maya, suggesting shifting realities and perspectives.
The performative format merges narrative, music, and visual imagery to create an immersive storytelling environment.
Collaboration Between Storyteller, Musician, and Visual Artist
The performance is led by writer and storyteller Akhshay Gandhi, whose work often explores narrative traditions and performative storytelling. He is joined by folk musician Ishwar Singh, who contributes live musical elements to the storytelling, and visual artist Rohit Bhasi, whose visual interventions shape the stage environment.
Creative producer Anita Gandhi coordinates the project, bringing together artists from different disciplines to reinterpret a traditional storytelling format for contemporary audiences.
Presented Amidst the Ghulam Mohammed Sheikh Retrospective
The event takes place within the context of the ongoing retrospective of artist Ghulam Mohammed Sheikh at Durbar Hall. The exhibition presents works spanning more than six decades of the artist’s practice and is part of the current edition of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale.
The Kochi-Muziris Biennale, launched in 2012, is India’s largest international exhibition of contemporary art and one of the major cultural events in Asia, bringing artists, curators, and audiences from across the world to Kochi.
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Highlights of the Event
- Performative storytelling inspired by Rajasthan’s Kaavad tradition
- Live folk music accompaniment
- Visual elements integrated into the storytelling format
- A narrative journey exploring the idea of Maya and layered realities
Artists and Contributors
- Writer and Lead Performer: Akhshay Gandhi
- Co-performer: Ishwar Singh
- Visual Artist: Rohit Bhasi
- Creative Producer: Anita Gandhi
Venue and Visitor Information
The event will take place at Durbar Hall in Kochi on 22 March from 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm. It is presented as part of the ongoing programming around the Kochi Biennale and the exhibition of Ghulam Mohammed Sheikh’s work currently on view at the venue.
| Event | Details |
| Name | Kaavad Katha: Doors of Maya |
| Artist | Akhshay Gandhi, Ishwar Singh, Rohit Bhasi |
| Venue | Durbar Hall |
| City | Kochi, Kerala |
| Opening Date | 22 March |
| Event Time | 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm |
| Organiser | Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) |
| Festival | Kochi-Muziris Biennale |
| Entry | Included as part of Biennale programming |
| Website | https://www.knma.org |
More information about the organiser can be found on the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art website and updates on the broader festival are available through the Kochi-Muziris Biennale official site.
Takeaway
By drawing on the traditional storytelling practice of Kaavad while integrating music and visual art, Kaavad Katha: Doors of Maya creates a dialogue between folk narrative traditions and contemporary artistic expression. The event highlights how storytelling continues to evolve as a living cultural form, offering audiences a reflective experience within the vibrant setting of the Kochi Biennale.
