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Authentic Indian Puppet Shows and Museum Exhibits

byDhaatu Puppet TheaterTours at Mandala Cultural Centre, BengaluruStarts from₹100 per student (min. 25 pax)View full gallery

At Dhaatu, we bridge ancient wisdom with today's stories. Explore the intricate artistry of traditional puppetry through our living museum, live stage shows, and heritage workshops.

This is the essence of our craft. Two traditional string puppets, brought to life on stage, enact a scene from one of our classical Indian stories. Notice the detailed costumes and expressive features, each designed to convey deep emotion and narrative.

A view of our annual Dhaatu Navarātra Mahotsava. The entire hall is transformed into a landscape of stories, with thousands of dolls arranged in intricate dioramas that depict scenes from our epics and the vibrant life of Bharat.

Storytelling is a sacred act for me. Here, I am sharing tales from the Ramayana with an audience of all ages, connecting the wisdom of ancient texts to the curious minds of today. These sessions are an interactive part of our museum experience.

We welcome learners from across the globe. In this photo, I am guiding students from Creighton University, USA, and St. Joseph's College, Bengaluru, through the museum as part of their India immersion program, explaining the history of puppetry.

Witness the devotion and artistry in this clip from our Ramlalla puppet show. The gentle rocking of the cradle and the traditional lullaby create a moment of pure rasānanda, or aesthetic bliss, celebrating a pivotal moment in the Ramayana.

It was a moment of immense pride and humility to be conferred the Padma Shri for my contributions to the field of art. This recognition strengthens my resolve to preserve and propagate the rich tradition of Indian puppetry for future generations.

Our performances showcase diverse puppetry forms. Here, artists demonstrate Tholpavakoothu, the art of shadow puppetry from Kerala, where leather puppets are used to narrate stories from the epics against a backlit screen.

About Featured

When I perform, I am not just manipulating strings. I am keeping our cultural narratives alive. Whether you are exploring our collection of over 5,000 puppets or watching a scene from the Ramayana unfold on stage, you are stepping into a centuries-old tradition that makes ancient wisdom accessible to our modern lives.

5,000+ traditional puppets on display — Approved by the tribe
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Dhaatu Puppet Theater

Tours at Mandala Cultural Centre, BengaluruStarts from ₹100 per student (min. 25 pax)

I am Anupama Hoskere, and for the last two decades, puppets have been my life’s work. My family and I run Dhaatu not just as a theater, but as a home for India's incredible tradition of storytelling.

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This is the stage for our production, "Vijayanagara Vaibhava," set against the magnificent Gagan Mahal in Anegundi. We believe in creating immersive experiences, where the performance setting is as grand and authentic as the stories we tell. This show brings to life the golden era of the Vijayanagara kings, celebrating a time when art and culture flourished.7
Here is a close-up of one of our handcrafted puppets representing the tribals of Malwa. Every puppet is a labor of love, meticulously carved, painted, and adorned with traditional attire and jewelry. We focus on these details to ensure each character on stage is not just a puppet, but a personality with its own story.
We often blend traditional string puppetry with classical dance, a unique fusion that brings a dynamic energy to our storytelling. In this scene from "Malavikaagnimitram," a live dancer interacts with the puppets, creating a beautiful dialogue between two distinct art forms. This combination allows for a richer, multi-layered performance.

Traditional Puppetry and Cultural Performances

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DhaatuShows at Mandala Cultural Centre; Travels across Bengaluru and India
This is a moment from our grand production, "KRISHNA". We use professional lighting and stage effects to create a truly magical atmosphere, drawing the audience into the story. This scene captures the divine energy that we strive to bring to every performance.8
A powerful moment of meditation from our production "Shrishti Stithi Laya". The play of light and shadow is something we focus on to enhance the dramatic storytelling, creating a visually stunning experience of the cosmic dance.
Here, our dancers embody the divine power of Goddess Durga in our "Nava Durga" production. The intricate choreography and synchronized movements are designed to portray the goddess's many forms and immense strength.

Classical Dance Productions and Performances

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Natesha NrithyalayaAvailable for shows across Bengaluru
There is nothing more priceless than this moment of connection. We see a child whispering a secret to one of our handmade puppets, a beautiful reminder of why we love bringing stories to life.7
We use all kinds of creative tools to tell our stories. Here, I am using simple paper cutouts and a pop-up book to create a world of waves and clouds during an interactive storytelling session.
Our workshops are completely hands-on. Here, a group of our putanis are learning the basics of controlling their very own marionette puppets, which they helped create themselves during a summer camp.
Bringing smiles to the pediatric oncology ward at St. John's hospital was one of our most memorable shows. Sharing stories in this space is a powerful reminder of how art can bring light and joy.

Puppet Theatre Performances and Creative Workshops

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PuppeTreeWorkshops at your venue across Bengaluru
When I step onto the stage, the story takes over. In this moment, during a keynote address at the Early Educators Summit, I am not just speaking. I am weaving a world with words, gestures, and shared breath, connecting with every soul in the room.8
The purest joy is seeing a story reflected in a child's eyes. Here, surrounded by curious young minds at the Fravashi Academy, I am sharing a tale with a puppet friend. This is where the magic is most real, in these moments of shared wonder and laughter.
Even in a formal setting like the IIM Bangalore Orators Club, a story can break down walls. This is me, lost in the telling, using my hands and heart to bring a narrative to life for an audience of academicians and entrepreneurs.

Interactive Storytelling Performances and Heritage Walks

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Geeta RamanujamOnline, at BTM Layout studio, and events across India
This moment from our production 'Krishnaa - Fire to Frost' captures the blend of classical grace and modern theatricality that defines my work. We use elements like aerial silk to create breathtaking visuals and bring epic stories to life in a way you have never seen before.8
The bond between Krishna and Draupadi is central to the Mahabharata, a relationship of deep friendship and divine protection. In our duets, my husband Rajendra and I strive to convey this profound emotional connection through expressive abhinaya.
The beauty of Kathak lies in its grace and perfect synchronization. Here, our Abhinava Dance Company dancers showcase the unity and discipline that is the foundation of our group choreographies, creating a visual poetry of movement.

Grand Indian Classical Dance Productions & Choreography

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Nirupama RajendraAvailable in Bengaluru and travels across India
This is the essence of my solo performance. A moment of complete surrender to the rhythm and story, captured on stage where I feel most alive.8
Dance is not just for the stage. Here, in a quiet moment surrounded by nature, I find the same grace and connection. This is from a special photoshoot that felt like capturing a piece of my soul.

Bharatanatyam Performances & Traditional Dance Recitals

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Shreya BalajiPerformances across Bengaluru and Karnataka

More from Museum Tours & Educational Programs by Dhaatu Puppet Theater

Dhaatu Navarātra Mahotsava: A World of DollsLive Puppet TheatreEducational Programs & WorkshopsOur Founder: A Leader in Art and CultureFrom Our StoreEvent Announcements & Schedules

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