Traditional Indian Puppetry and Storytelling Artistry
Traditional puppetry is not merely a performance, but our kartavya nishta, or duty to our heritage. From Hoysala-inspired puppets to epic storytelling workshops, we bridge the gap between ancient narratives and the present day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About Featured
Every puppet you see here is handcrafted using wood, traditional pigments, and fabric, often reflecting the aesthetics of 13th-century Hoysala temple art. When you join our sessions at the Mandala Cultural Centre, you are not just attending a class, but learning the technical intricacies of wood carving, string control, and facial detailing, gaining a tactile understanding of Indian narrative traditions that books alone cannot provide.
Our Philosophy: Keeping Stories Alive
At Dhaatu, we view puppetry as a medium to reconnect with our roots. Whether through our intensive two-week wood carving residencies or our shorter beginner workshops, our goal is to impart the discipline and joy of this ancient craft. You will learn to carve, paint, and costume your own puppets, effectively breathing life into wood.
Workshop Formats
- Beginner Scarf Puppet Workshops: A 3-hour introduction where you assemble and learn basic manipulation techniques. This is ideal for those curious about the craft but short on time.
- Epic Heritage Camps: Designed for children, these sessions combine storytelling, shloka chanting, and dance-drama. It is a comprehensive immersion into the Ramayana and Mahabharata, culminating in a student performance.
- Mastercraft Residencies: For serious students, this intensive 2-week course covers everything from wood selection to traditional joint articulation, guided by senior faculty.
Why Learn With Us?
We operate out of the Mandala Cultural Centre, a space dedicated to art and nature. Learning here offers more than just technical skill; it provides a quiet, meditative environment to explore the Navarasas—the nine emotions—that form the basis of Indian performing arts. We believe that by creating with our hands, we foster a healthy balance with the virtual world. If you are looking to learn an authentic art form that connects you to the history of Karnataka and beyond, we invite you to be part of our next session.
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