Dhaatu International Puppet Festival in Bengaluru
Experience the magic of storytelling where traditional puppets breathe life into India's ancient epics. Our flagship festival brings together international artists, regional performances, and hands-on workshops at the Mandala Cultural Centre.
A collage capturing the spirit of the Dhaatu International Puppet Festival. You can see glimpses of diverse performances, the enthusiastic participation of international artists, and the felicitation ceremonies that honour the masters of this craft.
A quick tour of the Mandala Cultural Centre as we get ready for the Dhaatu International Puppet Festival. The energy is palpable as we set up stages, welcome artists, and prepare to open our doors for a celebration of puppetry.
The serene atmosphere at Mandala Cultural Centre on the eve of the Dhaatu International Puppet Festival. The stage is set, the moon is watching over us, and we are ready to welcome everyone to this celebration of stories and traditions.
The auspicious lamp lighting ceremony, marking the inauguration of our conference on 'Puppet Traditions and Innovations'. It is a moment of prayer and gratitude before we delve into discussions on preserving and evolving our art form.
Another view of the inaugural lamp lighting at our international puppet festival conference. We believe in starting every important event by invoking blessings for a fruitful and enlightening session.
A moment from the inauguration of our conference, where we gather to share knowledge and celebrate the art of puppetry. The presence of esteemed guests and artists makes it a truly special occasion.
The traditional lighting of the lamp to begin the conference on puppet traditions. This ritual signifies the dispelling of darkness and the illumination of minds through shared knowledge and dialogue.
I am addressing the gathering at our conference on 'Puppet Traditions and Innovations'. It is always a joy to share my journey and discuss the nuances of using puppetry to convey deep emotions and complex narratives.
A moment during my presentation at the puppet festival conference. Here, I am sharing insights into our approach to puppetry, which is deeply rooted in the principles of the Natyashastra.
Master puppeteer Dr. Subho Joardar from Kolkata demonstrating the mechanics of a rod puppet during his session. His talk on 'Understanding Movement in Rod Puppetry' was a highlight of the conference.
About Dhaatu International Puppet Festival
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.
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