The puppeteers belonged to Sri Ramanjaneya Togalu Gombe Mela, Bellary. Togalu Bombe means a doll made out of leather. These dolls were made out of deer skin during the ancient times and have been passed on from generation to generation as a family tradition.
Most of these shows are based on epics like Mahabharata, Ramayana and Bhagavatha. The stage was made of bamboo sticks and the images of puppets are projected on a white screen. The puppets are strung across a rope behind the screen and a bright oil lamp, placed behind them, projects their images on the screen. The puppeteers sit behind the screen and handle the puppets based on the scene being played.
The performance began with an invocation to Lord Ganesha. The play was based on the theme of Chakravyuya, an excerpt from the Mahabharata where Abhimanyu, Arjuna’s son, is killed by the Kauravas. The dolls, that appeared on the screen, were that of Krishna, Arjuna, Abhimanyu among many others. The background score was played on a harmonium.
These dolls were indeed a treat for many of the little ones present at the venue.
The kids meticulously watched the performance and enjoyed every bit of it. Said Malani, a home-maker present at the event with her kid, “It is a great way for children to learn about the mythological characters and the legacy of rich folk forms of Karnataka. If it is inculcated in them at this point, it will remain in their minds forever. Such shows will also spark an interest in such forms.”
Gunduraju, the brainchild behind the show, was overwhelmed performing at the Ranga Shankara.
“I am very happy to be performing here amidst so many people and it is indeed a great opportunity for me to showcase my talent.”
Hailing from Bellary, Gunduraju has been into puppetry for over 45 years.
He has also presented shows on issues like AIDS, malaria, and polio across the country to create social awareness.
He has won several accolades for the same.