---
title: "Dhaatu International Puppet Festival | Traditional Puppetry in Bangalore"
description: "Join the Dhaatu International Puppet Festival in Bangalore. Experience traditional puppetry, global performances, and storytelling at our cultural centre."
canonical: https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/cultural-festivals-exhibitions/dhaatu-international-puppet-festival
last_updated: 2025-09-07
---

# Dhaatu International Puppet Festival in Bengaluru

Tribe Verified · Led by Padma Shri Anupama Hoskere

By [Dhaatu Puppet Theater](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater) · Hosted at Mandala Cultural Centre, Bengaluru · ₹100 Per Person (Min. 25 Pax) (estimate)

Part of [Cultural Festivals & Exhibitions](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/cultural-festivals-exhibitions). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/cultural-festivals-exhibitions/gallery)

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.

## Photos and videos

- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/31883a23-ecb6-485b-8788-07371dc0ee1b)
- [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c26eca18-fe3d-4b33-a286-c9cbd9157db9)
- [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cb3af950-0dc7-4bcb-83e5-0e0eacaf0f54)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0d3276a6-6197-49fa-9efa-6b0ec958f1d9)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5518fa1d-a334-4b94-9698-f1e49529739a)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/94706cb7-cbc7-4ebf-9d7e-6fefac353847)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c320d5d2-638d-4006-a047-ca686f17dda8)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f2e6054c-84b8-49b6-9684-158f2d977637)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fb18192f-afe9-4bf0-a993-99dd35777e8e)
- ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6de29df7-3355-4feb-8c56-06f869253b44)
- ![A closer look at the rod puppet demonstration by Dr. Subho Joardar. You can see the intricate connection between the puppeteer's hand and the puppet's expressive gestures.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cb7c8b78-38b7-491e-a5f3-a1ae8fd537a2)
- ![Sri Rajeev Pulavar presenting on 'Innovations in Tholpavakoothu', the shadow puppet tradition of Kerala. He holds up two leather puppets, showing the audience the beautiful craftsmanship of the golden deer and another character from the Ramayana.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/965b5ab5-277c-48eb-8150-1ad3a5180e5a)
- ![Smt. Padmini Rangarajan from Hyderabad speaking on 'Revisiting Traditions through Innovative Puppetry'. Her session explored how virtual theatre and new media can be used to present ancient stories in a contemporary format.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/508f4921-41aa-45bd-a165-fcd783428be6)
- ![A close-up of Smt. Padmini Rangarajan during her insightful talk at the conference. Her passion for blending tradition with technology was truly inspiring for all attendees.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9f79c00c-9a3f-48a1-99b8-552be10988f6)
- ![Lisa Zingerle from Vienna, Austria, sharing her perspective on 'Puppetry in Austria'. Our international festival is a platform for such cross-cultural exchanges, enriching our understanding of the global puppetry landscape.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/46125f78-3352-4677-b693-d12b7fa355b6)
- ![An engaged audience listening intently during one of the conference sessions. The festival brings together artists, scholars, and enthusiasts who are all passionate about the world of puppetry.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b0b96c1b-559f-432f-964d-82becb1a6431)
- ![International guests and artists at the conference. It is wonderful to see people from different cultures connecting over a shared love for puppetry.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f6ec938e-899c-49e7-ae22-6d6a17c57987)
- ![A live demonstration of string puppetry during the conference. This helps illustrate the techniques and nuances being discussed, providing a practical understanding of the art form.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/19ad8707-043e-42bc-b300-95aaf7039c89)
- ![Another view of the live string puppet demonstration on stage. The puppets, though small, command the attention of the entire room with their lifelike movements.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/26668841-d399-4990-a3f8-f4bbb846dd71)
- ![A collage of moments from the Dhaatu International Puppet Festival 2023, featuring our 'Sutrada Bombe' string puppets and the esteemed guests who graced the event.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/00dd05c0-330b-4b05-8130-f6c070418383)
- ![More glimpses from the 2023 festival, showcasing a dramatic scene from a string puppet play and our team with guests on stage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/07a25b34-116f-4194-9c87-b6292b682d0f)
- ![A beautiful collage from the festival, highlighting a performance of 'Peddamma Dosa Angadi' and the young participants who were recognized for their talent.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/198b4977-a99d-4b54-b36a-c08f2088f498)
- [Video: A collection of scenes from our Ramayana puppet plays. This video montage shows various key moments from the epic, brought to life with vibrant string puppets.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1c148ba1-cb60-40be-af20-638c8e341d20)
- ![A collage showing different styles of puppetry presented at the festival, along with a group photo of the talented artists who participated.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2e2ae4b3-e762-4bff-9392-e5ad0cd4ecae)
- ![Glimpses of a contemporary marionette show from Austria, 'The Faces of Hedy Lamarr'. The festival celebrates both traditional and modern forms of puppetry.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3b28ce12-b2f5-4525-a7a1-27350f224963)
- [Video: This video collage captures the diversity of performances at our festival, including Yakshagana puppetry and other traditional forms.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5e7abff1-a8fe-4e69-8aab-33f88b7c33ef)
- ![More vibrant scenes from the festival, showing the colourful costumes and expressive faces of the puppets that tell stories from our mythology and folklore.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/93890d59-276a-4cc7-9e7b-a9f336799497)
- ![A collection of memorable moments from the 2023 puppet festival, including international acts and group photos with all the participating artists.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/989febda-c4ef-498a-8e0e-b18b6ad5b2e8)
- ![Another look at the beautiful puppets and esteemed guests from the 2023 festival. Each year brings together a unique blend of talent and tradition.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c3472eac-1d82-4720-b80d-1cdb54ac7576)
- ![A collage showcasing the variety of puppet shows at the festival, from folk tales to historical narratives, along with the young artists we nurture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c7974335-f4c2-44f1-b831-d2a650eecc73)
- ![The magic of shadow puppetry is captured in this collage, showing the intricate leather puppets and the artists who manipulate them behind the screen.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c9c6799d-c2f3-47ca-82ba-a97c4e8e058c)
- ![A vibrant collage of scenes from various puppet performances at the Dhaatu International Puppet Festival.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d12dc782-72cb-4f3b-800d-b6e09f7f0fc2)
- ![Glimpses from the festival, including a puppet of Swami Vivekananda at the World Parliament of Religions and other devotional and historical scenes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f76908fd-2ec5-4855-84ac-b94e0e54ea6f)
- [Video: We were delighted to present our production 'Ramayana Saptaswara' at the Rāmāyana Kalpavṛkṣam festival in Hyderabad. This show uses string and rod puppets to narrate Sri Rama's journey from Ayodhya to Lanka.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4e86bbc5-c834-4423-b015-33c00acf05ea)
- [Video: A moment of immense pride as I see our puppets telling the story of Ramlalla. This video was made to celebrate the inauguration of the Ayodhya temple, a dream realized for millions in our living tradition.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/70d91985-adfd-4d9b-b7d7-572cb524d3e1)
- ![We presented 'Poetry in Puppetry', a puppet musical, at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan as part of the 'Navarasa' festival. The show highlights the poetic elements woven into our various productions.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c146177d-a9d5-4919-9caa-238a2e04f1ef)
- ![A poignant scene from one of our shows, capturing the expressive potential of string puppetry. The puppets are designed to convey a wide range of emotions, telling stories that resonate with audiences of all ages.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/81fd09d6-2b26-4010-a3cf-876941707713)
- ![A close-up of two of our string puppets on stage at the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. The detailed costumes and expressive features are a testament to the artistry involved in creating each character.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8b0e199e-25a1-4047-be69-f346487970d9)

## 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.

## About Dhaatu Puppet Theater

We are a family-run team that has been chasing the magic of Bharat’s stories since 2004. Anupama, our founder, brings her background as an engineer to the intricate mechanics of puppetry, while our family works together to keep these traditions alive at our Mandala Cultural Centre.

[See all of Dhaatu Puppet Theater's services](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater)

## More from Cultural Festivals & Exhibitions by Dhaatu Puppet Theater

- [Featured](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/cultural-festivals-exhibitions/featured)
- [Dhaatu Navaratra Mahotsava](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/cultural-festivals-exhibitions/dhaatu-navaratra-mahotsava)
- [Our Puppet Artistry](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/cultural-festivals-exhibitions/our-puppet-artistry)
- [Kalāmārga Nrityotsava: A Celebration of Dance](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/cultural-festivals-exhibitions/kal-m-rga-nrityotsava-a-celebration-of-dance)
- [Learn With Us: Workshops & Community Events](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/cultural-festivals-exhibitions/learn-with-us-workshops-community-events)
- [Our Founder & Accolades](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/cultural-festivals-exhibitions/our-founder-accolades)
- [Event Schedules & Announcements](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/cultural-festivals-exhibitions/event-schedules-announcements)

## More services by Dhaatu Puppet Theater

- [Puppet Shows & Performances](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/puppet-shows-performances)
- [Puppetry & Craft Workshops](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/puppetry-craft-workshops)
- [Museum Tours & Educational Programs](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/museum-tours-educational-programs)

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## Book

To book Dhaatu Puppet Theater, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Dhaatu%2C%20I'm%20interested%20in%20the%20Dhaatu%20International%20Puppet%20Festival.%20Could%20you%20please%20share%20the%20upcoming%20schedule%20and%20participation%20details%3F)