From hobby to heritage: 20 years of handcrafted kavadi for Thaipusam

For this Thaipusam, Pragalathen received 13 kavadi orders, with two delivered to Johor and the rest being completed by Monday. Photo: Bernama

In an age of machines, one artisan in George Town, Penang is keeping the timeless craft of kavadi-making alive, bringing colour and artistry to Thaipusam celebrations for over two decades.

For V.K. Pragalathen, crafting intricate kavadis isn’t just a job – it’s a passion and a lifelong hobby.