Puppetry Performances & Cultural Shows
Mandala Cultural Centre
We perform live Indian puppet shows using hand-crafted puppets and traditional techniques, often mixing dance and stories from epics and history.
Pricing Guide
Interactive Heritage & Educational Workshop
Session Format
- Format: Lecture-Demonstration (Lec-Dem) focusing on the history and mechanics of puppetry rather than a continuous play.
- Demonstration: Live demo of puppet manipulation showing string and joint movements.
- Visual Aids: Display of Shadow, Rod, String, and Glove puppets for comparative history.
Logistics & Interaction
- Host: Conducted by a senior Dhaatu artist (often the Director).
- Interaction: Includes a Q&A segment and opportunities for audience members to try manipulating practice puppets.
- Setup: Requires simple raised platform or floor space (no proscenium stage needed).
- Language: Delivery available in English, Kannada, or Hindi.
Classic String Puppet Performance
Performance Details
- Duration: 45 to 60 minutes of performance time.
- Content: Classic narratives from Ramayana, Mahabharata, or Panchatantra using strictly traditional Karnataka String Puppetry.
- Audio: High-fidelity pre-recorded narration and music for perfect synchronization.
Production Specs
- Stage: Includes a portable, self-standing proscenium stage (approx. 10ft x 8ft footprint).
- Puppets: Uses 10-15 authentic, gallery-quality wooden puppets (2-3 feet tall) dressed in traditional silks.
- Crew: Team of 3-4 professional puppeteers for manipulation and backstage logistics.
- Lighting: Basic halogen or LED stage lighting provided to focus on the stage.
- Logistics: Includes equipment transport within Bengaluru city limits.
The Dhaatu Grand Theatrical Production
Scale & Artistry
- Format: Hybrid performance integrating live Bharatanatyam dancers interacting with puppets on stage.
- Cast: Large ensemble of 6-10 artists including lead puppeteers, dancers, and technical directors.
- Puppetry: Uses complex 'Rod & String' puppets allowing for intricate movements like object manipulation.
Technical Setup
- Scenography: Elaborate, multi-layered painted backdrops and set pieces (e.g., palace arches) that change between scenes.
- Effects: Use of dry ice (fog machines) for celestial sequences and dramatic entries.
- Lighting: Comprehensive lighting plot with focused spots and color gels managed by a dedicated technician.
- Timeline: Requires 4-6 hours of pre-event stage assembly and sound check.
About Puppetry Performances & Cultural Shows
Why We Do What We Do
For us at Dhaatu, puppetry isn't just an art - it's our kartavya (duty). I see it as a way to hold on to our roots, especially now when everything is moving online. We pour our heart into each show, hoping it gives you something real and memorable - not just another screen experience.
What Makes Our Shows Stand Out
- Our main thing is traditional string puppetry performances, or Sutrada Bombe. Every puppet is hand-carved, painted, and dressed like they’re ready for a festival.
- We go big with some productions, using rod and string puppets together for a lively stage.
- Sometimes, we mix puppetry with classical dance. It’s not common, but it has its own charm - the puppets and dancers together make old stories pop.
- We stick to Indian classics. Think Ramayana puppet show, tales from Vijayanagara, Meera Bai’s devotion, even stories from India’s freedom struggle.
Our Festivals
- We host Dhaatu International Puppet Festival in Bengaluru - artists from all over come, and the vibe is pura josh (full of energy).
- During Dasara, our Bombe Habba (doll festival) runs with dance, storytelling and puppet shows. Both kids and adults find something to love.
What You’ll Get
A Dhaatu show is loud, colourful, sometimes emotional, and always desi (Indian at heart). It’s for kids, adults, anyone who wants to see cultural storytelling with puppets like it’s meant to be.
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.
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.
