Dhaatu Puppet Theater

About

We believe puppetry and dolls are more than just art - they’re living traditions that hold the heart of Bharat’s stories. At our festivals, I want everyone to feel this connection. It’s a mash-up of colours, stories, and people, where ancient epics and folk tales come alive, and the whole city gets to be part of it.

Festivals We Host

• Our biggie is the Dhaatu International Puppet Festival in Bengaluru, where artists from all over gather for a riot of traditional puppet performances, shadow and string puppets, and global acts. There’s a grand puppet parade, shows, and even talks for those who love to go deep into the craft.
• Each Dasara, the Dhaatu Navaratra Mahotsava transforms our space into a bombaat (amazing) doll festival display with 5,000+ dolls. We switch up the themes every year, add storytelling, puppet and dance shows, and everyone’s invited to join in for Kolaata (stick dance) and other activities.

More Than Just Shows

• For kids and schools, we run a separate Children’s Puppet Festival with interactive cultural workshops, puppet shows, and hands-on fun.
• There’s also our one-day Puppet Santhe (market) - think museum tours, artist meets, and a karyagara (workshop) to try making your own puppet.

Everything happens at the Mandala Cultural Centre near Silk Institute Metro. Some stuff is crowded, some sessions get packed, but that’s just the vibe. Come soak up the stories.