Dasara Dolls tell a story of tradition

Telling tales

A quiet corner in the ground floor of Anupama Hoskere’s house in Banashankari 2nd Stage has turned into a shrine of tradition. As part of Dasara festivities, she has decorated it with over 10,000 dolls.

This year she has themed her arrangement as ‘Srinivasa Kalyana’ - depicting that hardships, kindness, responsibility, and compassion are all an integral part of life.

Her dolls ranging from 3 inches to 30 feet include various Dasara dolls, goddess Gauri idols, dolls depicting scenes from Mahabharata, Ramayana and the Bhagavad Gita.

The specialty of this year’s arrangement is the presence of western dolls and South Indian Miniature Brass (utensils and dolls made out of brass).

“Every doll in my arrangement is a depiction of a story and a tradition. Many people including children are not aware of the history of the time when brass was predominantly used. I have kept over 30 types of miniature utensils that will attract children,” said Hoskere, Director, Dhaatu Puppet Theater.

Some of the dolls are made by Anupama herself. “I have made more than 600 wooden dolls which are also a part of the present doll arrangement,” she said.

Symbol of beauty

“Not many are interested in arranging dolls for Dasara. Some do not have enough space in their homes or the time to arrange the dolls. But many are interested at least to witness them as every doll is a symbol of beauty and tradition speaking to the viewer through a story,” said Anupama.

The exhibition of dolls will be on till November 3 with several puppet shows and performances.

She added, “The doll manufacturing culture in the state is depleting. If that is considered prime, then it will give rise to a lot of artists and jobs.”