Hands-on Puppet Workshops for Children and Families

Learning Through Tradition

Our workshops at Dhaatu are designed to move beyond passive entertainment. We use the art of puppetry to introduce children to the complexity of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Instead of just hearing these stories, children build the characters, paint the costumes, and learn the movements, helping them retain the wisdom and narratives in a way that resonates.

Workshop Formats

• Weekend Sessions: Perfect for a quick introduction, these 1.5 to 3-hour classes focus on specific skills like finger puppet construction or basic shadow puppetry. These are ideal for families looking for a meaningful weekend activity in South Bengaluru.
• 7-Day Cultural Camps: For children aged 7 to 14, we offer a more immersive experience. Over 35 hours, students engage with shlokas, prop making, and character building, culminating in a final stage performance where they operate the puppets they created.
• Advanced Masterclasses: For older students and adults, our intensives on rod puppet making and traditional doll decoration offer a deeper technical dive into materials, iconography, and Natyashastra color theory.

What to Expect

Our environment is functional and authentic. We seat participants on floor mats to encourage interaction and focus. All materials—from chart paper and fabric scraps to control sticks and paints—are provided. Whether it is a Parent & Me session or a focused craft class, we prioritize the process of making over the perfection of the final product. Come prepared to sit, engage, and get a little paint on your hands.