Featured
This is the first glimpse into our world of puppetry, a curated collection that showcases the heart, artistry, and diversity of our performances. These visuals are chosen to give you a feel for the magic we create on stage, from grand epic tales to intimate moments of devotion, inviting you to explore the rich tradition of Indian storytelling.
Epic Tales on Strings
We bring the grand narratives of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other Puranic stories to life with our traditional string puppetry. These large-scale productions, like our 'Ramayana Saptaswara' featuring over 100 puppets, are spectacles of storytelling designed for all ages.
Historical & Devotional Sagas
We explore the lives of saints like Meera Bai, the wisdom of the Yogavasishta in 'Chudala', and the grandeur of empires with 'Vijayanagara Vaibhava'. These shows combine puppetry, dance, and music to tell stories of devotion, history, and the rich heritage of Bharat.
The Magic of Shadow Puppetry
Experience the ancient art of shadow puppetry, known as Togalu Gombeyaata in Karnataka and Ravanachhaya in Odisha. We use intricately crafted leather puppets to create dramatic black and white silhouettes, telling stories from epics like the Ramayana.
Behind the Curtains: Our Creative Process
A glimpse into our workshop where the magic begins. See how we prepare for shows, from meticulously crafting and dressing the puppets to dedicated rehearsals where our puppeteers and dancers bring them to life.
For the Young & Young at Heart
Our interactive shows are designed to captivate audiences from age 2 and up. We perform tales from the Panchatantra like 'Mooshikaa Katha' and host special events for schools and children's festivals, making learning about culture a joyful experience.
Our Festivals & Cultural Celebrations
We host major annual events like the Dhaatu International Puppet Festival and the Dhaatu Navaratra Mahotsava. These celebrations bring together artists and audiences for puppet shows, doll displays, workshops, and storytelling sessions at our home, the Mandala Cultural Centre.
Workshops, Conferences & Learning
We are committed to propagating the art of puppetry through education. We conduct hands-on puppet-making workshops, host conferences on puppetry traditions, and offer storytelling sessions for all.
Our Founder & Our Pride
Our work is guided by our founder-director, Smt. Anupama Hoskere, a master puppeteer and a recipient of the prestigious Padma Shri award. Her dedication to preserving and promoting the traditional arts of Bharat is the soul of Dhaatu.
Event Announcements & Schedules
Here you can find posters, schedules, and details for our upcoming and past public performances. Join us for a cultural experience at our festivals, special shows, and public events across the country.