Chitrakathi Shadow Puppetry Workshops in Mumbai
Bring the magic of a 400-year-old Maharashtrian art form to your next event with our interactive shadow puppet shows and hands-on workshops.
A behind-the-scenes look at our team setting up the stage for the Chitrakathi shadow puppet show. A lot of care goes into preparing the screen and space to create the perfect magical atmosphere for the performance.
The audience, filled with excited children and parents, waits for the show to begin. You can feel the anticipation in the room just before the lights go down and the story starts.
A view from the audience as they watch the Chitrakathi performance. The room is dark, and all eyes are fixed on the illuminated screen where the ancient story of the birds and the hunter unfolds.
A beautiful close-up of the hand-painted leather puppets depicting a flock of birds. The intricate details and vibrant colors of the Chitrakathi art form are visible even in silhouette.
A scene from a Panchatantra tale comes to life on the screen. The puppets, depicting a lion, rabbit, monkey, and elephant, are masterfully maneuvered by the artist to tell the story.
The powerful image of a lion meeting an elephant, told through the delicate art of shadow puppetry. Each puppet is a work of art, handcrafted by the Thakar tribal artists.
A key moment from the story of the clever rabbit and the foolish lion. The use of light and shadow creates a dynamic and engaging visual narrative for the audience.
Another beautiful shot from the performance, showing the interaction between the lion and the rabbit. These timeless fables teach important moral lessons in a visually stunning format.
A young audience member proudly poses with artist Chetan Gangavane after the show. It's a special moment connecting the next generation with the keepers of this ancient tradition.
A child shows off the Hanuman puppet he made during our post-show workshop. After watching the performance, kids get to create and color their own puppets to take home.
About Chitrakathi Shadow Puppetry: An Ancient Art Experience
When you host a Chitrakathi session, it is not just about sitting back and watching a performance. The real magic happens immediately after the show when the children get hands-on. We provide all the paper, colors, and supplies so every child can create their own puppet to take home, turning the audience into artists and ensuring they walk away with a tangible memory of the ancient stories they just witnessed.
We have partnered with the artist family of Mr. Chetan Gangavane, who have been preserving this 400-year-old Chitrakathi art form for 10 generations. Bringing this experience to your school, society, or corporate event is a practical way to connect children with Maharashtra's rich cultural heritage in a screen-free environment.
The session is structured in two parts. First, the audience enjoys a live shadow puppet performance narrating classic Panchatantra fables. The play of light and shadow, combined with live music and traditional narration, creates an atmosphere that kids simply cannot find in modern digital media. It is a moment of calm, focused storytelling that captures their imagination.
After the performance, we move into the workshop phase. This is where the children become the creators. We guide them through the process of designing their own paper puppets. This hands-on activity builds fine motor skills, encourages artistic expression, and gives them a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship they just saw on the screen. Whether you are looking for a unique birthday party activity or a culturally enriching session for your school, we handle the production entirely. We bring the backdrop, the sound system, and the puppets; you just bring the curious minds.
Wondershop
We are Wondershop, and we believe creativity is a muscle that needs exercise. We are obsessed with bringing traditional stories and ancient art forms like Chitrakathi into the modern world, making them accessible and exciting for children. If you want a party or school event that actually leaves kids feeling inspired rather than just entertained, let’s talk.
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