Experience the Magic of the Ishara Puppet Festival
Step inside the Ishara International Puppet Theatre Festival. From the gasps of wonder in the amphitheater to the joy of meeting the artists, see the moments that make our New Delhi festival a beloved yearly tradition.
Our festival director addresses a packed house at the amphitheater. We are passionate about creating a welcoming space where the community can come together to celebrate the art of puppetry.
An audience of all ages watches a performance of 'Be Yourself' with rapt attention. Our goal is to curate shows that are engaging and meaningful for every member of the family, from the youngest child to the oldest grandparent.
A performer from Mexico's 'Volar Volar' interacts with a young girl in the audience. We love bringing interactive shows to the festival that blur the lines between the stage and the seats, making for a more memorable experience.
The puppeteers from Brazil's 'Mamulengo de la Mancha' pose for photos with delighted children after the show. The connection between artists and the audience is a vital part of the festival experience we foster.
The festival director engages with a young audience member on stage. We believe in making theatre accessible and fun, and these interactive moments are a highlight for both the audience and our team.
The cast of 'Wings & Roots' from France poses with a large group of students and audience members. We are dedicated to arts education and are thrilled to see so many young people inspired by our festival.
The artists behind Italy's 'Io, Pulcinella' receive applause after their performance. We take great pride in hosting talented puppeteers from around the world and giving them a platform to share their craft.
The Korean troupe from 'Hong Dongji & Isimi' is honored on stage after their show. Celebrating the artists is a key part of our mission to promote puppetry as a global art form.
The full cast and their puppets from the Traditional Sri Lankan String Puppet Show. It is a privilege to host such incredible artists who are keeping centuries old traditions alive.
The team from Taiwan's 'Hiss & Arf' receives flowers and applause. We ensure that every international troupe feels welcomed and appreciated for bringing their unique stories to our stage.
About The Festival Atmosphere
You will notice right away that this is not a hands-off performance. The best part of the festival is how accessible the artists are after the show, letting kids and adults alike handle the puppets and ask questions. It makes the whole experience feel less like a stage play and more like a community gathering.
Our festival is not just a static event. We bring performers from Italy, Brazil, Taiwan, and beyond to Delhi, but the real impact happens in the moments between the acts. We design these sessions to be inclusive. We see children and grandparents alike engaging with stories that transcend language barriers, like the slapstick comedy from Korea or the poignant string puppetry from Sri Lanka. By hosting at the India Habitat Centre, we have built an amphitheater space that encourages dialogue rather than just passive observation. It is a place to see museum-grade puppets crafted from regional textiles, participate in workshops, and ask the puppeteers questions directly. Whether you are an educator looking for school programs or a parent seeking an authentic cultural experience, the atmosphere here is built to spark curiosity and keep traditional storytelling alive.
We structure every festival edition to ensure that while the performances are global, the connection remains local. You can attend shows that tackle complex themes like courage and friendship, or join us for workshops where you can build your own shadow or rod puppet. We keep the groups small for our workshops to ensure everyone gets hands-on guidance from our senior artists. It is about creating a space where the barrier between the stage and the audience disappears, fostering a shared appreciation for this timeless art form.
Ishara Puppet Theatre
We are the Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust. For over twenty years, we have turned New Delhi into a hub for global puppetry, bringing artists from across the world to share their craft. We believe in the power of these stories to connect us all, and we work to make every performance an open, welcoming space for everyone.
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