Dhaatu International Puppet Festival in Bengaluru

This festival is more than a performance; it is an immersive look at how we preserve the Sutrada Gombe tradition. We host everything from scholarly discussions on puppet mechanics to vibrant street parades, creating a space for both serious art enthusiasts and families looking to connect with Indian storytelling.

Our festival is designed to be a confluence of culture, where traditional string, rod, and shadow puppetry meet global contemporary acts. Located at the Mandala Cultural Centre near the Silk Institute Metro, we transform our space into a hub for artists and audiences alike.

What to Expect

• Global Perspectives: We invite puppeteers from across the world to share their techniques, offering a rare look at how different cultures tell their stories through puppets.
• Technical Demonstrations: Our sessions go beyond the stage. We frequently include demonstrations on puppet construction and movement, giving you a peek behind the curtain at the mechanics of our art form.
• The Puppet Parade: One of the highlights is our street parade, where the energy of the festival spills out into the city, inviting everyone to be part of the tradition.

Why We Host It

We believe that puppetry is a living knowledge system. From the Ramayana to the Upanishads, the stories we tell are meant to share wisdom rather than just entertain. Whether you are an educator, a student, or a parent looking for a meaningful outing, our festival offers a window into the deep connection between our ancient epics and modern performance art. We welcome everyone to come soak up the stories and perhaps even try making a puppet of their own.