Puppetry & Cultural Arts Workshops

Mandala Cultural Centre

We run hands-on workshops where you learn to make and perform with Indian puppets, try storytelling with epics, and get practical experience in traditional puppetry techniques.

Dhaatu

905

Pricing Guide

ESTIMATES

These are indicative prices based on provider's past work. Enquire now to find out final quote.

Beginner Scarf Puppet Workshop

Kit & Assembly

Materials Provided: Includes a pre-shaped wooden head, wooden beads for limbs, strings, and a fabric scarf body.
Guidance: Step-by-step instruction on tying knots, balancing the puppet, and attaching the wooden control bar.
Decor: Basic paint markers and bindis provided to personalize the puppet's face.

Training & Takeaways

Movement Basics: The final hour covers puppet manipulation 101, including walking, bowing, and Namaste gestures.
Souvenir: Participants take home the fully assembled puppet.
Extras: Includes a participation certificate and access to the cultural centre gardens.

Children's Epic Heritage Camp

Daily Curriculum

Storytelling: Deep-dive narration of Ramayana or Mahabharata adapted for ages 7 to 14.
Chanting: Rote learning of key Sanskrit shlokas with a focus on pronunciation.
Performance Training: Instruction in dance-drama and basic puppetry required for the showcase.

Logistics & Materials

Courseware: Includes a spiral-bound workbook, coloring sheets, and thematic board games.
Final Show: Participation in a stage production on day 7 with costumes provided on loan.
Schedule: Runs for 7 consecutive days, typically 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Mastercraft Wood Carving Residency

Expert Instruction

Mentorship: 13 days of direct guidance from visiting master craftsmen and senior faculty.
Techniques: Covers wood selection, traditional reduction carving, joint articulation, and facial detailing.
Studio Time: Full-day sessions (typically 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM) involving rigorous hands-on work.

Professional Materials

Wood & Tools: Seasoned soft-wood blocks provided along with access to professional chisels and mallets.
Finishing: Includes traditional primers, paints for facial makeup, and fabrics for costuming.
Hospitality: Daily high-tea and snacks are included.

About Puppetry & Cultural Arts Workshops

We run hands-on workshops that help you reconnect with tradition in a fun, practical way. I believe that making something with your own hands, especially puppets, takes you straight back to your roots.

What We Offer

Dive into Indian puppet making classes, like our Pavakathakali Hand Puppet Workshop (two weeks, pretty intense, but you’ll really learn the craft).
Beginners (kids 8+ and adults) can jump into our scarf puppet or make-and-learn sessions - try out glove, string, and shadow puppets even if you’ve never done this before.
For kids who love stories, we have storytelling through puppetry for kids with Ramayana and Mahabharata workshops. These aren’t just about listening - there’s acting, learning shlokas, workbook activities, and a final show.
If your child wants to go deeper, our Pathashala is a longer-term puppetry school. Regular classes, focus on performance, for those serious about this art.

Why This Matters

I see it as our kartavya nishta (duty) to keep these traditional arts alive. The workshops aren’t perfect - sometimes the carving gets tough, sometimes the story sessions go off track, but that’s part of learning. You get to try, mess up, laugh, and actually make something that’s yours.

Meet your Expert

Dhaatu

10 connects in last 3 months

My Story

We Indians, we love telling stories, don’t we? At Dhaatu, puppetry is not just a job, it’s a calling. Sometimes, it’s tough, but I always find inspiration in legends like Rukmini Devi Arundale. Bharatanatyam, gardening, puppets - all tangled up in the spiral of life. When Padma Shri came, it was pure gratitude, a salute to Bharat. What we do is about keeping our stories alive, so the next gen can feel proud and connected.