Kavaḍe News (14)
Kavaḍe (ಕವಡೆ) a niche toy hive bringing you a wide array of Indian traditional games and toys. Follow this blog for the latest collection of toys, games, events and much more
Cultures & traditions are living ecosystems. There is much to be learnt through respect & observation of indigenous cultures & traditions. In the last few centuries, we have been witnessing the growing hazard of homogenization of cultures- similar livelihoods, identical constructions, eating habits, healthcare, consumer goods, and entertainment. As Helena Norberg Hodge aptly says “Diverse cultures from Alaska to Australia have been overrun by the industrial monoculture. The spread of industrial monoculture is a tragedy of many dimensions. With the destruction of each culture, we are erasing centuries of accumulated knowledge, and as diverse ethnic groups feel their identity threatened, conflict & social breakdown almost inevitable follow”. If culture were placed at the heart of development policies, we will assuredly be making way for an ecosystem-centered, humanitarian & inclusive development.
Excuse my attempts at Tamil here but i shall try to make it sound as authentic as Iyer athu tamil.
Strategy, fun and one of the few things that really brings an iyer house hold together is the amazing game of dice. Its one of the most entertaining games i have ever played, with as much noise thrown in as linguistical enhancements to one of the ancient dialects of tamil. Yes, its entertainment for the next two hours from when the family gathers to play this deadly game of strategy, slaughter, war and victory.
Post brunch, after a filling 'sapadu'(meal) at 10.30 am, the family gathers together, mainly the men folk, the kids stricktly above the age of 4 (i guess) and of course our very famous pati(post madi business and puja) while thatha, the man of the house continues to snore in his easy chair hoping for silence. Yeah, so much for a peace in the house. haha
Board games were a definite past time for children and adults alike until the end of the last century when computer games started to rule the roost. And unlike the new-age and trending online games, board games transcend centuries and were supposedly said to be the favorite past time of even kings and queens. The Game of Dice was presumably one of the most popular among them and the marks of it can still be seen in ancient sites like the Hampi in Karnataka, Lepakshi in Andhra and Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu. Many variants of Indian paintings depict the Hindu Gods and Goddesses playing these board games.
Nostalgic memories of summertime and school break. Just thinking about it brings a smile and happiness in me.
I grew up in Mumbai, then called Bombay. Every year we had summer vacations for two months - April and May. April would be passed anxiously waiting for exam results, yet with a lot of fun playing different board games, card games and badminton. Board games we played, were drawn on the floor with chalk. We used shells for dice and game counters were either broken bangles or stones. The game was called 'kaach kaudi' in Marathi, meaning glass and shell… very similar to Ludo. It had two variations, 5 houses or 7 houses.
The earthy remnants of rain are all around. And it’s the best time to go foraging… of a different kind
The monsoons have such a charm and song about them. With the rains come the cravings… the need for warm hugs and hot mugs. With everything becoming a bit slower, and more laid back, there’s an instinctive feeling to stay in for ‘feet up’ times.
Kavade Attic came alive in a beautiful way last 4 days with the sweet sound of charakhas & innovative experiments. Immensely grateful to Madhavji for untiringly mentoring us.
Throwback moments!
A workshop where we explored the little happenings in nature, waiting for the ant to make its choice for food, feeling barks of trees, noticing the leaves, homes, climbing up trees, Bird watching & so much more Games, art work with our collections, jewellery.. Dr Lakshmi was kind enough to open the RRI campus to our little team! with Abhisheka Krishnagopal.
This workshop was based on robotics using Lego Wedo construction kit tool where we designed our own interactive machines and then programmed it. This is the base for children in their lifelong learning. The next Lego Wedo is on 24 April at Kavade Attic. Hurry Up!
Theatre games & lots of fun, making props, a wonderful performance by the kids & pizza party too!. The next one is from 24th Apr-29th Theatre workshop at Lavender lane, Kothanur Anuradha Rao, Sandeep Jain, Untitled Arts Foundation.
As the festive season of Dasara approaches with multitudes of rituals, pujas and festivities, each and every household is busy mustering their doll treasures. It's for the annual Bombe Habba (doll festival), a phenomenon distinctly ‘Mysuru’ in its flavour and appeal.
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