---
title: "Puppetry Workshops: Learn Puppet Making & Traditional Indian Arts - mytribe"
description: "Discover the magic of puppetry workshops with Dhaatu! Join our puppet making class, led by Padma Shri awardee Anupama Hoskere, and explore traditional Indian arts. Perfect for kids and adults seeking a creative storytelling experience. Book your spot now!"
canonical: https://mytribe.in/anupamahoskere/puppetry-cultural-arts-workshops
last_updated: 2025-09-08
---

# Puppetry & Cultural Arts Workshops in Bengaluru

By [Dhaatu](https://mytribe.in/anupamahoskere) · 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.

## Locations

Online sessions available; Workshops at Mandala Cultural Centre, Kanakapura Road

### Visit at

- Workshops at Mandala Cultural Centre, Kanakapura Road (close to Konanakunte Cross Metro Station, Forum Falcon City Mall, JP Nagar, Banashankari, Turahalli Forest, Yelachenahalli)

Also available online.

## Pricing guide (estimates)

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

### Beginner Scarf Puppet Workshop

A 3-hour entry-level session to build a wooden-head scarf puppet and learn basic string control techniques.

Typically ₹800-1,100 Per Person (estimate)

#### 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

A 7-day holiday course covering Indian epics via storytelling and shlokas, culminating in a student stage performance.

Typically ₹7,000-8,500 Per Child (estimate)

#### 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

An intensive 2-week wood carving course where you sculpt, paint, and costume a professional-grade puppet.

Typically ₹18-24K Per Person (estimate)

#### 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.

## Highlights

Browse through Dhaatu's best work.

### [Featured](https://mytribe.in/anupamahoskere/puppetry-cultural-arts-workshops/featured)

- [Video: This video celebrates the recognition of my life's work with the Padma Shri award and offers a close look at the 'Spiral of Life' installation. It features nine puppets in the Hoysala style, each depicting one of the Navarasas, or nine core human emotions, showcasing the depth and intricacy of traditional Indian string puppetry.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3faba032-37c3-41f7-ba42-a77d71393c27)
- [Video: It is a joy to see the wonder in children's eyes as they create their very own puppets. Here I am with a group of young participants from a recent workshop, proudly holding the Rama and Krishna finger puppets they made themselves at our Mandala Cultural Centre.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6bd8fb87-5177-48ce-be2d-5f605a4cb4e1)
- ![The final, most meditative step in bringing a puppet to life is painting the face. Each brushstroke adds character and soul. This is a quiet moment in my workshop where I am giving expression to a new wooden puppet, a process I am passionate about sharing with my students.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c324a178-b289-4bc2-a934-462494c3d79d)
- [Video: This video gives you a look at the authentic materials used in our intensive Pavakathakali Hand Puppet workshop. Master craftsman Rithesh is displaying a painted puppet head alongside the raw wooden hands and heads that students will learn to carve and bring to life, connecting them with an ancient craft from Kerala.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a714494e-8db7-470c-bbae-174310ac658b)
- ![Shadow puppetry, or 'Togalu Gombeyaata', is an ancient and magical art form from Karnataka. This is a scene from our production of 'Malavikaagnimitram', where intricately crafted leather puppets create dramatic silhouettes to tell a classic story.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/43957f03-e6e5-421d-8991-4d2d707e0afa)
- [Video: Our Epic Series workshops are designed to immerse children aged 9 to 14 in the world of the Mahabharata. This poster outlines the week-long program which includes storytelling, shloka chanting, colouring activities, and culminates in a stage show where children perform with puppets.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7eaf54ef-d7ff-4137-af9d-016cbf5c5cc7)
- [Video: This video takes you behind the scenes as we prepare for a performance of 'Chudala'. From stringing the puppets to a young family member helping with the beads, it shows the community and dedication that goes into every show before the magic unfolds on stage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/39cbb644-be87-485f-8152-fe4d3a816bfc)

### [Puppet Making Workshops: From Beginner to Advanced](https://mytribe.in/anupamahoskere/puppetry-cultural-arts-workshops/puppet-making-workshops-from-beginner-to-advanced)

- [Video: Our Scarf Puppet Workshop is a perfect introduction to the art for children aged 8 and above. This poster details a beginner-friendly session where participants learn the basic movements of string puppets in a fun and accessible way.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/171b13d9-d08d-4cae-95d5-7326166c386a)
- [Video: For those seeking a deeper immersion, we offer this two-week Pavakathakali Hand Puppet workshop. As the poster shows, this is an intensive course where you will learn to make the traditional hand puppets of Kerala from start to finish.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/522eba38-6b0e-4713-b880-c969950c307c)
- [Video: This video gives you a look at the authentic materials used in our intensive Pavakathakali Hand Puppet workshop. Master craftsman Rithesh is displaying a painted puppet head alongside the raw wooden hands and heads that students will learn to carve and bring to life, connecting them with an ancient craft from Kerala.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a714494e-8db7-470c-bbae-174310ac658b)
- [Video: This video captures the successful conclusion of our Pavakathakali puppet making workshop. It showcases the beautifully finished puppets created by the participants, a glimpse of the instructor carving a head, and the complete set of characters ready for performance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/bf3cb02c-26d5-4c5b-955b-a7743be99bb8)
- ![The final, most meditative step in bringing a puppet to life is painting the face. Each brushstroke adds character and soul. This is a quiet moment in my workshop where I am giving expression to a new wooden puppet, a process I am passionate about sharing with my students.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c324a178-b289-4bc2-a934-462494c3d79d)
- ![A look inside my workshop as a group of Jambavan string puppets are being prepared. This image shows the puppets after the initial carving and painting stages, waiting for their costumes and strings before they are ready for the Dhaatu Puppet Santhe.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/20113ce4-a5e6-4a78-b5ac-62d867b5d495)
- [Video: Here is the serene, green space at Mandala Cultural Centre being set up for a hand puppet workshop. We ensure a calm and inspiring environment where students can focus on their craft, with all the necessary paints, materials, and tools ready for them.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d610748c-2d5d-4a7a-8b5e-ce7322aa458a)
- ![For those serious about pursuing this art form, we offer the Puppet Pathashala. This poster announces a new batch for our long-term puppetry school, which provides regular, performance-focused classes at the Mandala Cultural Centre.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1a66ae5a-68ab-4d13-9775-a065f0311b4a)
- [Video: This is an invitation to the inauguration of our Pavakathakali Hand Puppet Workshop, part of the Dhaatu International Puppet Festival. These events bring together renowned scholars and artists to celebrate and support the continuation of traditional arts.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/36366cda-88c1-401e-a355-018403f4da0c)

### [Storytelling for Children: The Epic Series](https://mytribe.in/anupamahoskere/puppetry-cultural-arts-workshops/storytelling-for-children-the-epic-series)

- [Video: It is a joy to see the wonder in children's eyes as they create their very own puppets. Here I am with a group of young participants from a recent workshop, proudly holding the Rama and Krishna finger puppets they made themselves at our Mandala Cultural Centre.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6bd8fb87-5177-48ce-be2d-5f605a4cb4e1)
- [Video: Our Epic Series workshops are designed to immerse children aged 9 to 14 in the world of the Mahabharata. This poster outlines the week-long program which includes storytelling, shloka chanting, colouring activities, and culminates in a stage show where children perform with puppets.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7eaf54ef-d7ff-4137-af9d-016cbf5c5cc7)
- ![This is the string puppet of Ashtavakra, a wise sage from the Mahabharata whose story holds deep philosophical meaning. Creating puppets of such characters allows us to explore complex narratives and their relevance even today, as we did for an International Genetic conference.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b002488c-6ffc-4737-ab87-fc3654d00b4c)
- ![A close-up of the sage Kanva, a character from Kalidasa's classic play 'Abhijnaana Shaakuntalam'. We use these puppets to perform and teach timeless stories, preserving the rich literary heritage of India through the art of puppetry.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e011d242-7917-49e6-9d5e-f9e436de664a)

### [Performances & Cultural Exchange](https://mytribe.in/anupamahoskere/puppetry-cultural-arts-workshops/performances-cultural-exchange)

- ![Addressing a full auditorium during the premiere of our production 'Malavikaagnimitram'. It is a privilege to share these stories with such large and appreciative audiences, keeping the tradition of stage performance alive.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/64f00425-d801-4dbb-bd6e-8ece376622e6)
- [Video: This video takes you behind the scenes as we prepare for a performance of 'Chudala'. From stringing the puppets to a young family member helping with the beads, it shows the community and dedication that goes into every show before the magic unfolds on stage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/39cbb644-be87-485f-8152-fe4d3a816bfc)
- ![Shadow puppetry, or 'Togalu Gombeyaata', is an ancient and magical art form from Karnataka. This is a scene from our production of 'Malavikaagnimitram', where intricately crafted leather puppets create dramatic silhouettes to tell a classic story.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/43957f03-e6e5-421d-8991-4d2d707e0afa)
- [Video: This poster announces our Dhaatu Santhe, a one-day puppet festival for everyone. The event includes puppet shows, museum tours, artist interactions, and workshops, creating a vibrant celebration of puppetry at the Mandala Cultural Centre.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/292dcd5b-4960-44f2-a198-3a9168045ff4)
- ![Here, students from Creighton University, USA, and St. Joseph's College, Bengaluru, participate in an interactive session at the Dhaatu Puppet Museum. These India immersion programs are a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange and learning.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1eb65a88-ada5-4f11-8ef4-8a92bdb22583)
- ![I am giving a presentation to a group of visiting university students as part of their cultural immersion program. Sharing the history and philosophy behind Indian puppetry is a key part of our mission to educate and inspire.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/74a434b4-80f9-45c1-95d0-77dac984bb05)
- ![An interactive moment with students during a visit to our Dhaatu Puppet Museum. We encourage hands-on engagement, allowing visitors to feel the puppets and understand their mechanics, making the experience more memorable.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/980fca45-b614-4677-926d-bedd92ce9eb6)
- ![It is wonderful to see the next generation take the stage. Here, a young participant shares her experience with the audience at the Dhaatu Puppet Theater, showing the confidence and communication skills that this art form helps to build.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e106f8f7-900f-48d7-9ea2-3114b0644562)

### [The Art & The Artist](https://mytribe.in/anupamahoskere/puppetry-cultural-arts-workshops/the-art-the-artist)

- [Video: This video celebrates the recognition of my life's work with the Padma Shri award and offers a close look at the 'Spiral of Life' installation. It features nine puppets in the Hoysala style, each depicting one of the Navarasas, or nine core human emotions, showcasing the depth and intricacy of traditional Indian string puppetry.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3faba032-37c3-41f7-ba42-a77d71393c27)
- [Video: I am deeply humbled to be honored with the Padma Shri, as shared here by the Ministry of Culture. This recognition is not just for me, but for the timeless art of puppetry and for every artist working to keep our traditions alive.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/43f8d88f-7b66-48aa-ac5c-2a6b785cb8f6)
- ![This photograph from 1976 is a sweet memory and a surprise discovery. It shows me as a young girl in a dance class with my Guru, Kaushik sir. My journey in the traditional arts has been a long and blessed one, starting from a very young age.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/966ca060-cbb0-4edf-8d4b-e309321fff0e)
- ![Here I am speaking about the hidden potential of women in Bharata during an International Women's Day event. I believe art is a powerful medium for empowerment and for sharing important cultural insights.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/17573595-8912-4fc2-9550-26e02be33e91)
- ![This is a close-up of a puppet representing the tribals of Malwa, getting ready for a performance. The detailed painting, jewellery, and costume reflect our commitment to representing different cultural styles with authenticity and respect.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/35e610e6-d2d7-43e0-88f3-fbe59a011f81)
- ![A detailed look at one of our traditional string puppets. The elaborate headgear, nose ring, and rich fabrics are all handcrafted to bring the character to life, reflecting the rich aesthetic traditions of our land.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e7bdef84-0349-4d71-9ff3-dcde6322b176)
- ![During an event, I had a wonderful interaction with attendees who were curious about the simple puppets made during a workshop. It is always a pleasure to discuss the craft and see the joy it brings to people.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1d050d71-ce5d-461e-ae16-b83de46d125d)

## Meet your expert

[Dhaatu](https://mytribe.in/anupamahoskere)

### 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.

### My work

- **What We Offer**: Traditional puppet shows - string, shadow, hand puppets, plus Ramayana puppet show, museum tours, and birthday events.
- **Cultural Workshops**: We run workshops for kids and adults, using epics and history to spark curiosity and joy.
- **Rooted in Tradition**: Our puppetry follows Dakshina Bharata sampradaya, with puppets inspired by Hoysala temple art.
- **Special Show Moments**: Once, we found a chariot in a village for our Vijayanagara Vaibhava performance. Magic happens when stories come alive.

## More services from Dhaatu

- [Puppetry Performances & Cultural Shows](https://mytribe.in/anupamahoskere/puppetry-performances-cultural-shows) · ₹30K-1.2L per show (estimate)
- [Cultural Experiences & Venue Rental](https://mytribe.in/anupamahoskere/cultural-experiences-venue-rental) · ₹200-1,200 per person (estimate)

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## Book

To book Dhaatu, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I'm%20looking%20for%20Puppetry%20%26%20Cultural%20Arts%20Workshops%20by%20Dhaatu.)