Cultural Festivals & Exhibitions
Mandala Cultural Centre
We host puppet and doll festivals with live shows, parades, workshops, and interactive displays where everyone can join in and experience India’s storytelling traditions up close.
Pricing Guide
Traditional Puppet Theater Performance
Performance Details
- Stories: Features classics like Bhakta Prahlada, Panchatantra, or Krishna Leela.
- Style: Traditional String (Sutrada Bombe) or Rod puppetry.
- Audio: High-quality pre-recorded soundtrack ensures consistent dialogue and classical music accompaniment.
Production Specs
- Cast: 3-4 professional puppeteers and technicians.
- Setup: Includes a portable black-box stage structure requiring a 15x10 ft covered area.
- Lighting: Basic halogen/LED stage washes included.
Logistics
- Transport: Includes artist and equipment transport within city limits.
- Timeline: Team arrives approximately 2 hours prior for assembly.
Magnum Opus Theatrical Production
The Production
- Scale: Festival-grade show featuring complex narratives like Vijayanagara Vaibhava or Ramayana.
- Fusion Element: Choreographed blend of Bharatnatyam dancers performing live alongside large-scale puppets.
- Direction: Led by Padma Shri awardee Anupama Hoskere.
Technical Elements
- Scenery: Elaborate multi-layered painted backdrops and 3D props (palace arches, chariots).
- Tech: Professional lighting design (mood setting) and high-fidelity sound mixing.
Logistics
- Transport: Includes dedicated truck transport for large set pieces.
- Venue Needs: Requires auditorium or large outdoor stage with specific height clearance.
- VIP Access: Includes post-show demo of puppet mechanics for select guests.
Private Gallery Tour & Workshop
Access & Tour
- Exhibits: Guided walkthrough of thematic displays (Navaratra, Dashavatara, or Victorian sets).
- Narration: 15-20 minute live storytelling session adapted to visitor age groups.
- Duration: Approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
Activity Options
- Basic: Interactive rhythm exercises or stick dance (Kolaata) participation.
- Premium Inclusion: Includes a DIY puppet-making kit (paper/cloth) for participants to craft a souvenir.
Site Amenities
- Location: Mandala Cultural Centre, Kanakapura Road.
- Facilities: Clean restrooms and bus parking available for large groups.
About Cultural Festivals & Exhibitions
We believe puppetry and dolls are more than just art - they’re living traditions that hold the heart of Bharat’s stories. At our festivals, I want everyone to feel this connection. It’s a mash-up of colours, stories, and people, where ancient epics and folk tales come alive, and the whole city gets to be part of it.
Festivals We Host
- Our biggie is the Dhaatu International Puppet Festival in Bengaluru, where artists from all over gather for a riot of traditional puppet performances, shadow and string puppets, and global acts. There’s a grand puppet parade, shows, and even talks for those who love to go deep into the craft.
- Each Dasara, the Dhaatu Navaratra Mahotsava transforms our space into a bombaat (amazing) doll festival display with 5,000+ dolls. We switch up the themes every year, add storytelling, puppet and dance shows, and everyone’s invited to join in for Kolaata (stick dance) and other activities.
More Than Just Shows
- For kids and schools, we run a separate Children’s Puppet Festival with interactive cultural workshops, puppet shows, and hands-on fun.
- There’s also our one-day Puppet Santhe (market) - think museum tours, artist meets, and a karyagara (workshop) to try making your own puppet.
Everything happens at the Mandala Cultural Centre near Silk Institute Metro. Some stuff is crowded, some sessions get packed, but that’s just the vibe. Come soak up the stories.
Meet your Expert
Dhaatu Puppet Theater
22 connects in last 3 months
My Story
We are Dhaatu Puppet Theater, a family-run bunch. I’m Anupama, started out as an engineer, but puppets called me. My husband Vidyashankar keeps things solid behind the scenes, while my daughters jump in on stage. Since 2004, we’ve been chasing the magic of Bharat’s stories. Our puppet museum in Bengaluru is a wild mix of old and new. Got the Padma Shri this year – felt huge, but really, it’s for puppetry, not just me.
My Work
Our Offerings - We do puppet shows, workshops for all ages, storytelling, festivals, doll exhibitions, and run a puppet museum in Bengaluru.
Epic Puppet Shows - Stories from the Ramayana, Bhakta Prahlada, and more. Shows in English, Hindi, sometimes Samskritam. Not just fun – it’s culture.
Workshops for Kids & Adults - Summer camps, parent-child sessions, and Pavakathakali hand puppet workshops. We teach everyone who’s curious.
Festivals & Events - Dhaatu International Puppet Festival and Puppet Santhe. Big gatherings, museum tours, hands-on workshops, loads of energy.
Dhaatu Puppet Museum - Curated puppet collection from India and abroad. School groups, families – all welcome to dive into the magic.
