--- title: "Dhaatu Navaratra Mahotsava: Bengaluru's Grand Doll Exhibition" description: "Visit our Navaratra Mahotsava in Bengaluru. Experience 5,000+ dolls, storytelling, and puppet shows at the Mandala Cultural Centre this Dasara season." canonical: https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/cultural-festivals-exhibitions/dhaatu-navaratra-mahotsava last_updated: 2025-09-07 --- # Dhaatu Navaratra Mahotsava: Bengaluru's Grand Doll Exhibition Tribe Verified · Featuring over 5,000 thematic dolls. 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 one of Bengaluru's most significant cultural celebrations. We bring our stories to life with 5,000+ dolls, immersive storytelling, and live traditional performances. ## Photos and videos - [Video: 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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/07b34c73-24a7-4eb2-86e0-9b6f1892577b) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7e89c26a-54ba-49df-a82f-ea15de5402e7) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ede00026-9507-42d5-b5e7-39443ed99e7f) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1d62f3eb-6a19-4cf1-8ae1-1f426c202f22) - ![Another perspective of the doll exhibition, showing the multi-tiered displays that allow us to narrate complex stories with hundreds of characters.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/949705bb-dbc1-4448-89cb-1fe9ecfbad33) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/aead21b2-4b8b-49bb-83f5-7992f8c69b1c) - ![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.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b0bdd3fa-c38a-4a2e-8b73-f69cf16bf361) - ![A section of the doll display, with each box containing a carefully arranged scene from our mythology. The lighting and arrangement bring these static dolls to life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d2389718-bf78-4f5c-811f-c22c2c02989f) - ![The doll exhibition hall illuminated with colourful lights, creating a festive and magical atmosphere. This view shows the variety of display styles we use to engage our visitors.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fbdec231-eb72-4768-9e6b-701166965551) - [Video: This video, created by a visitor, captures the breathtaking experience of walking through our doll exhibition. It showcases themes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and traditional village life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/986a12b1-5881-4438-8037-908f998f1d59) - [Video: A short video showing the path to our cultural centre and glimpses of the doll displays inside. It highlights the accessibility of our venue, located right next to the Silk Institute Metro Station.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c0de091b-62ed-44e3-a12d-c3a1f5eb0aff) - [Video: This video showcases some of our moving doll exhibits, including the 'Vyuha' formations from the Mahabharata and the 'Dashavatara' display. These dynamic elements are a special attraction at our festival.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c805d860-ea71-4cba-8220-143db74b8d4e) - [Video: A video montage inviting everyone to the Navaratra Mahotsava. It features glimpses of the doll displays, the beautiful architecture of our venue, and the schedule of events.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2a2a2d9b-f6b0-454f-97f7-5406357df95d) - [Video: Come visit the Navaratra Mahotsava and experience Dasara in Bengaluru. This video shows the festive atmosphere, with doll displays, craft stalls, and a schedule of all the exciting events.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4f3e331b-8232-4d2a-b1f0-915d59a6285c) - [Video: An invitation to the Dhaatu Navaratra Mahotsava, showcasing the main stage scene 'Bharadwaja's Ashrama' and highlighting the various events like storytelling, dance, and puppet shows.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/24ea1b50-22b3-4428-820c-a8433fa00583) - ![A poster for the 2024 Navaratra Mahotsava, featuring a serene image of two dolls in a meditative pose. The main display for this year is 'The Blissful Dance of Raas'.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b6360814-6b2c-4c62-b0c7-cdd784b1beff) - ![An announcement for the puppet shows 'Bhakta Prahlada' and 'Vijayanagara Vaibhava' held during the 2024 Navaratra Mahotsava.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/067d8a73-2959-435b-9ae5-1222b26e2c43) - ![The schedule for puppet shows during the 2023 Mahotsava, featuring 'Ashtavakra' and 'Vijayanagara Vaibhava'. These shows are a key part of the festival's evening programs.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0db3ccf1-04d2-42cc-822f-85c9ba7f29f1) - ![A reminder for the 'Ashtavakra' puppet show, a story of a special child from the epic of Mahabharata. We wish everyone a Happy Ayudha Pooja.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/98f4921b-309e-4fc1-bc5d-14058ccb2d57) - ![A poster for the puppet shows during the 2022 festival. The main scene, 'Bharadwaja's Ashrama', is depicted with our beautifully crafted puppets.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/09fed560-5131-492d-bfe1-9a5f9230d4c2) - ![Another version of the 2022 puppet show schedule, highlighting the free entry for all visitors.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/84e6256e-f16a-455c-ab3f-fc4b3a5f8ebf) - ![An invitation for school group visits to the 2023 Navaratra Mahotsava. We offer special curated sessions for students to experience our cultural heritage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1e5c95a4-95cf-4c69-ab63-f736373f3013) - ![The main poster for the 2023 doll exhibition, featuring the 'Lineage of Krishna' as the main scene.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c32ec0da-ffa6-4565-83e4-bf79207e87ac) - ![An announcement detailing the timings and entry fees for school and group visits for the 2022 festival. We believe in making our traditions accessible to the younger generation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/385de662-c8f2-4234-87d0-493ff12adf4d) - ![The main poster for the 2022 doll display, inviting everyone to witness a vast collection of over 5000 dolls narrating stories from Indian epics.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/73da8708-3393-444b-8280-e12df1f7c9f5) - ![A poster for school group visits for the 2024 Navaratra Mahotsava, with details on booking and timings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/67c69738-cfc3-46c5-9898-dc982263a87f) - ![A warm welcome to all for the 2024 Dhaatu Navaratra Mahotsava. The doors to our month-long celebration of dolls, stories, and art open on October 3rd.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6803fae2-849e-45a1-94cc-552cc8a9063b) - ![Another poster for school group visits for the 2024 doll exhibition, featuring the 'Lineage of Krishna' scene.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d0244ed4-a7b9-4cbc-aca9-d44778812f4d) ## About Dhaatu Navaratra Mahotsava 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. ## About 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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