For first-timers: Mohan adding the finishing touches to the meticulously crafted lighter kavadi for young devotees at a temple in George Town. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Skilled kavadi maker M. Mohan has, for the first time, introduced lightweight kavadi weighing just 15kg, specially designed for teenage devotees.
He set aside his usual elaborate designs, which weigh about 30kg to 40kg, that he has been making for the past 35 years.
“This year, I got a request to make kavadi for three boys aged 14, 17 and 18.
“They are my friend’s sons, and they will be carrying kavadi for the first time,” he explained.
The boys, he said, were excited.
“They have given me the nod to design it creatively but on condition that it must be lightweight,” said Mohan, 55, during an interview at a temple here.
“As a first-time kavadi bearer, it can be daunting, but I want to encourage them. So, I was mindful of the weight, but I did not compromise on the design.”
To make the kavadi lighter, Mohan explained that he used polystyrene foam, stickers, crepe paper flowers, sponge and a plywood base.
“These are lighter materials, but I made sure to use gold stickers against the white crepe flowers backdrop for contrast.
“It’s a first for me, but it was a nice experience to work with a new medium.”
Mohan said it took him one-and-a-half months to finish all three kavadis, as cutting the polystyrene foam and stickers was time consuming.
Mohan used wiring, cartons of glass paper and peacock feathers, among other materials, to create his large, elaborate kavadi.
Despite the decreased weight, he said, the kavadi are not small.
“They are 1.5m high and require plenty of detailing,” he said, adding that he would also be adding garlands on all four sides of each kavadi as well.
Mohan, a decades-long kavadi maker, prays before starting.
“This is so that they will turn out as planned and be strong enough for the bearers to complete their journey and fulfil their vows.
“I don’t only make kavadi, but I also guide the devotee on how to carry the kavadi and how to angle it in a way where they feel less pressure while carrying it.”
Mohan, who also makes paal kavadi (milk kavadi), stated that it takes longer to make one, but he enjoys the process.
“I like making paal kavadi, as it is just one piece, unlike the normal kavadi, where I have to shape the metal to form the base, which will be attached to the bearer.
“The paal kavadi is made mostly of wood, allowing me a free hand to decorate it,” he said.
