A rickshaw from Allahabad

This is a beautifully decorated three-wheeled cycle Rickshaw manufactured by K.W Heavy Duty Company.

The area below the seat is adorned with a pair of peacocks, and near the cushion is a flower pot's design. The vehicle's canopy is fashioned from red coloured rexine, and ornately beautified with flowers and laces. The tin body at the rear is decorated with eagle feathers. Prominent colours used in the overall decoration of this vehicle are red and blue.

The tradition of decorating Rickshaws started in Bangladesh in 1950's from where it spread to different parts of South Asia. The themes have been predominantly nature and animals. The decoration of Rickshaws arose from the need to compete for business for Rickshaw- wallahas (the Rickshaw pullers/riders).