Bengaluru: Fete on Sat to highlight rich puppetry tradition

A puppet festival by Dhaatu Puppet Theatre on June 28 will celebrate India’s rich puppetry traditions. 

The day-long festival, called ‘Dhaatu Puppet Santhe’, will feature puppeteers presenting ‘Panchatantra’ tales, storytelling sessions for toddlers, and box puppetry, a European artform. Performances will be in English, Kannada, and Sanskrit.

Organiser of the event, Anupama Hoskere, Padma Shri awardee and founder of Dhaatu, says puppetry has existed since time immemorial. Recalling a story from the ‘Bhagavad Gita’, she says, “When Rukmini plans to elope with Krishna, Jarasanda comforts a lovelorn Shishupala, by saying, ‘Have you not seen a puppet show? We are all strings being pulled by the Lord. Life is a cycle, so get up’.”

Aside from puppetry existing in the Vidarbha region, she recalls mentions in ancient texts like ‘Kathasaritsagara’ by Kashmiri poet Somadeva. “Mechanised puppets, known as ‘keelu gombe’ in Karnataka, can be seen at the Mysuru folklore museum. These originated in India and have been replicated in the West as the ‘Jumping Jack’,” she says.

The festival will feature a guided museum tour and a puppet-making workshop for children. “There will also be a special zone where attendees can walk the puppets,” says Anupama.

“Puppets can be categorised by material and control — like Sutrada Gombe, which are controlled by threads, and Togalu Gombe, made of leather,” she explains. Puppetry blends timeless themes with contemporary issues. Stories address socioeconomic concerns, celebrate feminism, and include romantic comedies.

“Through our art we talk about life using funny dialogues, beautiful costumes and interesting techniques. We leave things open ended. There is not one moral — whatever resonates with you is valid,” Anupama adds.

The Santhe aims to raise awareness about the artform. “We don’t need long lectures — just exposure,” says Anupama. “Bengaluru is a good place for any artform.”

On June 28, 10 am to 5.30 pm, at Mandala Cultural Centre, Kanakapura. For details, visit dhaatupuppets.org or call 98861 93999.