Dhaatu Navaratra Mahotsava: Bengaluru's Grand Doll Exhibition
Experience one of Bengaluru's most significant cultural celebrations. We bring our stories to life with 5,000+ dolls, immersive storytelling, and live traditional performances.
Step into the magical world of our Dhaatu Navaratra Mahotsava. This video walks you through our annual doll exhibition, where over 5,000 dolls are arranged to narrate epic tales and cultural stories. It is a celebration of art, devotion, and community.
An announcement for our 2022 Navaratra Mahotsava, which was larger and grander than ever at our new venue, Mandala. The main scene, 'Bharadwaja's Ashrama', featured an intricate display of dolls depicting stories from the epics.
A poster from our 27th year of the doll exhibition. The image showcases the beautiful dolls used to create the main scene, inviting everyone to experience the grandeur of the festival.
A wide view of the doll displays at the Navaratra Mahotsava 2022. The red carpet leads visitors on a journey through dozens of dioramas, each telling a unique story.
Another perspective of the doll exhibition, showing the multi-tiered displays that allow us to narrate complex stories with hundreds of characters.
A massive, vibrant display of dolls representing various gods, goddesses, and celestial beings. This is the 'golu' or 'bombe habba' tradition, presented on a grand scale.
A long shot of the exhibition hall, giving a sense of the scale of our Navaratra Mahotsava. The entire space is transformed into a narrative landscape built with dolls.
About this collection
You will find our Mandala Cultural Centre located right next to the Silk Institute Metro Station, making it an accessible day trip for families across Bengaluru. We welcome you to explore our displays daily from 11 am to 7 pm, where you can walk through the history of our epics brought to life in miniature.
The Dhaatu Navaratra Mahotsava is not just an exhibition, it is a month-long celebration of Indian storytelling. Every year, we curate a completely new narrative, using over 5,000 dolls to depict scenes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas. Our team focuses on the technical artistry behind these displays, from the lighting that sets the mood to the structural formation of scenes like the 'Vyuha'. We designed our space at the Mandala Cultural Centre to accommodate this scale, offering both quiet corners for reflection and larger areas for performances.
Beyond the visual display, the festival functions as a cultural hub. During your visit, you might encounter classical Bharatanatyam recitals, puppet shows, or interactive storytelling sessions that delve into the Puranic stories. We host this for everyone, from school groups learning about tradition to art enthusiasts curious about the craft. If you are planning a visit, check our schedule for live performances or workshops on puppet making. Whether you are a devotee or simply looking for a meaningful outing, there is a place here for you to connect with the heritage of Bharat.
Dhaatu Puppet Theater
We are a family of puppeteers and artists who believe in keeping our ancient stories alive. Based at our Mandala Cultural Centre, we combine our passion for tradition with the craft of storytelling, inviting you to witness the magic we create every Dasara.
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