Cultural Festivals and Puppet Shows in Bengaluru
We believe art should be a celebration for the entire community. Our festivals bring tradition to life for everyone to experience.
The official brochure for the Dhaatu International Puppet Festival 2023. This event is a confluence of artists from across India and abroad, creating a vibrant atmosphere of cultural exchange.
An announcement for the "Ram Janmutsav" performance, part of our 2025 International Puppet Festival. The schedule shows a diverse lineup of shows, from traditional to contemporary.
This poster announces the inaugural show of our 2025 festival, "Giridhar Nagar ki Meera," a production that combines puppetry and dance to tell the story of the great poet Meerabai.
An announcement for a shadow puppet performance of "Veer Savarkar" at our upcoming festival. We strive to include a variety of puppetry styles, including shadow theatre from Maharashtra.
A preview of "Taming of the Wild," a contemporary puppet show from West Bengal featured in our festival. This highlights our effort to showcase modern interpretations of the art form.
The poster for our Dhaatu Navaratra Mahotsava 2023, a month-long celebration of dolls, stories, and art. This is our 28th year hosting this beloved doll exhibition, or 'Bombe Habba'.
A video tour of the Dhaatu Navaratra Mahotsava, showcasing the intricate doll displays that depict scenes from mythology, history, and daily Indian life. All are welcome to experience this magical world.
A glimpse of the beautiful and elaborate doll displays at our Navaratra Mahotsava. These arrangements, known as 'Golu' or 'Bombe Habba', are a cherished tradition during the Dasara festival.
The poster for our Dhaatu Puppet Santhe, a one-day puppet festival featuring shows, artist interactions, workshops, and storytelling. It's a wonderful opportunity for everyone to engage with the art of puppetry.
We were delighted to present our "Chudala" string puppet show as part of the 'Samanvay' festival, celebrating 50 years of the Chidambaram Academy of Performing Arts.
About Our Cultural Festivals & Community Events
Our events at the Mandala Cultural Centre are community-driven, and seating for our popular shows is often first-come, first-served. We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before showtime to find a comfortable spot and settle in before the storytelling begins.
Our festivals are rooted in the belief that art should be a celebration for the entire community. The Dhaatu International Puppet Festival is our flagship event, a confluence where artists from India and abroad come together to share diverse puppetry traditions. From shadow theatre to string puppetry, this festival is designed to spark curiosity and joy in both children and adults.
Equally close to our hearts is the Dhaatu Navaratra Mahotsava, our month-long doll festival, also known as Bombe Habba. For nearly three decades, we have opened the doors of the Mandala Cultural Centre to display intricate arrangements of dolls that depict scenes from mythology, history, and daily life. It is not just an exhibition, it is a way to preserve our cultural narratives.
Whether you are attending a performance or visiting our doll display, you are stepping into a space where tradition is alive. We aim to keep our heritage accessible, which is why many of our events are free to attend. We often host these gatherings at our home, the Mandala Cultural Centre, where the natural, art-focused setting adds to the experience. We invite you to join us during these festive times to engage with the art, meet the artists, and perhaps try manipulating a puppet yourself.
Dhaatu
At Dhaatu, our duty—our kartavya nishta—is to keep the flame of our traditional arts burning bright. We open our doors to the community because we believe these stories belong to everyone, connecting us all to our shared heritage.
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Explore other events or artistic programs hosted by our center.
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