Puppet Making Workshops and Cultural Conferences
Experience the ancient art of puppetry firsthand through our hands-on workshops and academic conferences at the Mandala Cultural Centre.
Come and make a puppet to take home! This poster announces our 'Dhaatu Puppet Santhe', a day of workshops, museum tours, and shows for the entire family.
A puppeteer demonstrates the movement of string puppets during a conference on 'Puppet Traditions and Innovations' at our festival.
A closer look at the string puppets being presented at our conference. These events are a platform for artists and scholars to exchange knowledge.
An artist explains the nuances of a particular puppet style during a presentation at the Dhaatu International Puppet Festival.
About Workshops, Conferences & Learning
When you join us at the Mandala Cultural Centre for a workshop, you are not just watching—you are learning the actual mechanics behind the Sutrada Gombe (string puppets). Whether it is a Saturday morning Puppet Santhe or a deep-dive conference, we prioritize hands-on practice, ensuring you walk away with both a puppet you created and a better understanding of our storytelling traditions.
Learning the Art of Puppetry
Our 'Karyagara' (workshops) are designed to bridge the gap between ancient storytelling wisdom and modern curiosity. We do not just show you how a puppet works; we teach you why it matters. Since 2004, we have welcomed everyone from children as young as two to seasoned academics interested in the cultural history of Bharat.
Why Join Our Sessions?
- Hands-On Crafting: You will learn to manipulate traditional puppets, understand costume detailing, and explore the physics behind movement. It is a tactile experience that connects you to the 'Pattada Bombe' traditions.
- Academic & Cultural Conferences: Our forums and festivals, like the Dhaatu International Puppet Festival, serve as platforms for scholars and artists to exchange knowledge on puppet traditions and innovations.
- Inclusive Education: From parent-child sessions to intensive weekend courses, we tailor our content to ensure that anyone with an interest in art can participate.
We believe puppetry is a living language. By hosting these sessions, we aim to ensure that this knowledge system continues to thrive, taking our heritage from 'Adi to Amrit Kaal'. If you are looking to understand the nuanced difference between string, rod, and shadow puppetry, these workshops provide the technical and cultural depth you need.
Dhaatu Puppet Theater
I am Anupama, and with my family, I run these sessions to keep the thread of our traditional storytelling alive. We believe that learning is a dialogue, which is why our workshops and conferences are designed to be as much about your questions as our demonstrations.
Looking for other creative workshops?
Find various skill-based classes and cultural learning events available near you.
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