The vibrant cultural calendar of Bengaluru is set to be enriched once again with the return of a beloved event. The Dhaatu International Puppet Festival is back for its twelfth edition, promising city residents and art lovers a deep dive into the magical world of puppetry. This year's festival will unfold over four days, starting from February 29 and running until March 3, at the iconic Ranga Shankara theatre in JP Nagar.
A Stage for Diverse Puppetry Traditions
Organized by the Dhaatu Puppet Theatre group, the festival serves as a crucial platform for both preserving traditional forms and showcasing innovative contemporary work. The event will feature an impressive lineup of over 40 talented artists from across India and beyond. These performers will bring to life a wide array of puppetry styles, ensuring there is something to captivate every audience member.
The schedule is packed with multiple performances each day, carefully curated to offer variety and depth. Attendees can expect to witness everything from ancient folk traditions that have been passed down through generations to bold, modern narratives told through the medium of puppets. The festival's core mission is to celebrate this art form in all its diversity and to foster a greater appreciation for it among the public.
More Than Just Performances: Workshops and Exhibitions
The Dhaatu Festival is designed to be an immersive experience, not just a passive viewing. Alongside the stage performances, the organizers have planned interactive workshops and engaging exhibitions. These sessions will provide a unique opportunity for attendees, especially children and young adults, to understand the craftsmanship behind puppet-making and the skill involved in manipulation.
By participating, visitors can get a hands-on feel for the art, learning about the materials, mechanics, and stories that give life to these inanimate figures. This educational aspect is a key component of the festival, aiming to inspire the next generation of puppeteers and ensure the art form's continuity.
A Cultural Pillar for Bengaluru
The consistent return of the Dhaatu International Puppet Festival highlights Bengaluru's growing stature as a hub for inclusive and accessible cultural programming. Events like these move beyond mainstream entertainment, offering niche yet profound artistic experiences. They strengthen the city's cultural fabric and provide a space for creative exchange.
For artists, the festival is a vital meeting point—a place to share techniques, collaborate, and gain visibility. For the audience, it is a window into a specialized world of storytelling that combines visual art, performance, and narrative in a uniquely intimate way. The festival at Ranga Shankara, a venue renowned for its support of the performing arts, is perfectly positioned to draw both dedicated theatre-goers and curious new audiences.
As the dates approach, anticipation builds for this four-day celebration of strings, shadows, and stories. The Dhaatu International Puppet Festival stands as a testament to the enduring power of puppetry to communicate, entertain, and enchant, proving that this ancient art form is very much alive and evolving in the modern heart of Bengaluru.
