--- title: "Shadow Puppetry Shows and Traditional Storytelling in Bengaluru" description: "Experience the magic of traditional shadow puppetry with Dhaatu Puppet Theater. We bring ancient Indian epics to life through intricate leather puppets and storytelling." canonical: https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/puppet-shows-performances/the-magic-of-shadow-puppetry last_updated: 2025-09-07 --- # Traditional Shadow Puppetry Performances and Storytelling Tribe Verified · Padma Shri award-winning puppetry heritage By [Dhaatu Puppet Theater](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater) · Shows at theaters in Bengaluru; Travels across India for events · ₹100 per person (estimate) Part of [Puppet Shows & Performances](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/puppet-shows-performances). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/puppet-shows-performances/gallery) Experience the timeless art of shadow puppetry, where ancient Indian epics come alive through intricate leather silhouettes and rhythmic storytelling. ## Photos and videos - ![A glimpse into the world of traditional shadow puppetry. This collage shows the puppets, made of treated leather, and the artists who manipulate them behind a screen to create the moving silhouettes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7bef89ea-69b5-419a-bb7f-95079d595abe) - ![An artist demonstrates the form of shadow puppets during a conference on puppetry traditions. These puppets, representing characters like a deer and a deity, are used to narrate stories from Indian epics.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/965b5ab5-277c-48eb-8150-1ad3a5180e5a) - ![More scenes from a shadow puppet performance at the Dhaatu International Puppet Festival. The warm glow of the light behind the screen brings the detailed cutouts of the puppets to life.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c9c6799d-c2f3-47ca-82ba-a97c4e8e058c) ## About The Magic of Shadow Puppetry What you see on screen is the result of painstaking craftsmanship, where each character is cut from treated leather and articulated to move fluidly behind a backlit screen. Unlike string puppetry, our shadow shows rely entirely on the contrast between light and silhouette to create depth, making it an immersive experience that feels like watching a moving painting of our ancient epics. ### The Art of Shadow Puppetry Shadow puppetry, or Togalu Gombeyaata as it is known in Karnataka, is a performing art that demands both patience and precision. We create our puppets from treated leather, which is then meticulously perforated and painted to capture the specific characteristics of epic figures from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. When positioned between a powerful light source and a white cloth screen, these static cutouts become dynamic, storytelling agents. ### Why This Format Works for Events Unlike traditional stage setups, shadow puppetry creates an intimate, almost meditative atmosphere. The black and white silhouettes focus the audience's attention entirely on the narrative, making it an excellent choice for: * **Cultural Programs:** Schools and institutions looking for an authentic display of Indian heritage. * **Private Gatherings:** Families who want a quieter, more intellectual form of entertainment for children and adults. * **Workshops:** Audiences interested in the technical side of how light, shadow, and leather manipulation create the illusion of movement. ### What to Expect Every performance is accompanied by a traditional musical score and narration. The puppeteers behind the screen must manipulate the limbs of the leather puppets in sync with the live or recorded audio, a skill that takes years to master. When you book a shadow puppet show with us, you are not just getting a performance, you are engaging with a centuries-old tradition that continues to thrive in our Bengaluru workshops. ## About Dhaatu Puppet Theater I am Anupama, and for me, shadow puppetry is about breathing life into ancient wisdom. My family and I have spent decades mastering these leather silhouettes to ensure that the stories of our epics continue to resonate with modern audiences. We perform not just to entertain, but to connect you with the depth of our cultural heritage. [See all of Dhaatu Puppet Theater's services](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater) ## More from Puppet Shows & Performances by Dhaatu Puppet Theater - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/puppet-shows-performances/featured) - [Epic Tales on Strings](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/puppet-shows-performances/epic-tales-on-strings) - [Historical & Devotional Sagas](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/puppet-shows-performances/historical-devotional-sagas) - [Behind the Curtains: Our Creative Process](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/puppet-shows-performances/behind-the-curtains-our-creative-process) - [For the Young & Young at Heart](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/puppet-shows-performances/for-the-young-young-at-heart) - [Our Festivals & Cultural Celebrations](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/puppet-shows-performances/our-festivals-cultural-celebrations) - [Workshops, Conferences & Learning](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/puppet-shows-performances/workshops-conferences-learning) - [Our Founder & Our Pride](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/puppet-shows-performances/our-founder-our-pride) - [Event Announcements & Schedules](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/puppet-shows-performances/event-announcements-schedules) ## More services by Dhaatu Puppet Theater - [Cultural Festivals & Exhibitions](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/cultural-festivals-exhibitions) - [Puppetry & Craft Workshops](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/puppetry-craft-workshops) - [Museum Tours & Educational Programs](https://mytribe.in/dhaatupuppettheater/museum-tours-educational-programs) ## Similar work from other experts - [Traditional Puppetry and Cultural Performances](https://mytribe.in/anupamahoskere/puppetry-performances-cultural-shows/featured) by Dhaatu · Puppetry Performances & Cultural Shows · Shows at Mandala Cultural Centre; Travels across Bengaluru and India - [Neralu - Belaku: Hand Shadow Artistry for Events](https://mytribe.in/acharyaprahlada/magic-variety-shows/neralu-belaku-the-art-of-shadow-play) by Prahlad Acharya · Magic & Variety Shows · Travels across India; Virtual shows available - [Puppet Shows and Theatrical Storytelling Workshops](https://mytribe.in/ourstoryshelf/storytelling-creative-play-workshops/puppets-props-theatrical-tales) by Ourstoryshelf · Storytelling & Creative Play Workshops · Attend Workshops at Rustam Bagh Layout, Bengaluru - [Yakshagana Performances: Traditional Kannada Dance-Drama](https://mytribe.in/kalaarohana.arts_official/traditional-indian-performance-arts/yakshagana-epic-tales-on-stage) by Kalaarohana Arts · Traditional Indian Performance Arts · Performs at events across Karnataka; Visit studio in Banashankari, Bengaluru - [Traditional Kathputli Puppet Shows](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet/puppetry-workshops-training/kathputli-on-the-world-stage) by Aakaar Puppet Theatre · Puppetry Workshops & Training · Conducts workshops across India - [Kathak Storytelling for Mythological & Spiritual Themes](https://mytribe.in/sattvatischoolofdance/kathak-performances/storytelling-mythological-spiritual-themes) by Sohini Karanth · Kathak Performances · Based in Bengaluru; Travels across India ## Book To book Dhaatu Puppet Theater, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Dhaatu%2C%20I%20am%20interested%20in%20booking%20a%20Shadow%20Puppetry%20show.%20Could%20you%20share%20some%20details%20on%20your%20availability%20and%20pricing%20for%20my%20event%3F)