Dhaatu’s Dasara Festival to Celebrate Indian Epics with Dolls

The Dhaatu Dasara Navaratra Mahotsava is set to captivate audiences with an impressive display of dolls inspired by themes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavad Gita. This year’s festival, which opens on September 22 in Bengaluru, will feature a main exhibit showcasing the stories of Rishyashringa and Rama Jnana.

The event will offer a variety of engaging activities, including daily storytelling sessions and puppet shows depicting the Ramayana. Noteworthy performances include a puppet show on Bhakta Prahalada scheduled for October 1 and another on Vijayanagara Vaibhava on October 2, both presented by the Dhaatu Puppet Theatre.

Anupama Hoskere, the driving force behind this annual exhibition, reflects on the challenges she faced leading up to the 30th edition. Following the recent loss of her father-in-law and mother, as well as a personal injury that left her with a fractured arm, she considered canceling the event. “But I realized that the Dhaatu Dasara Navaratra Mahotsava is something beyond a personal activity,” she explained. Her determination to proceed with the festival highlights its significance within the community.

This year, a special children’s corner will be introduced, allowing young attendees to arrange the dolls themselves, thereby immersing them in the festive spirit of Dasara. Hoskere’s efforts to promote puppetry and Indian culture have earned her significant accolades, including the Padma Shri and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.

In a nod to contemporary issues, the exhibition will also introduce a theme focused on Kashmir, adding another layer of relevance to this year’s showcase.

The Dhaatu Dasara Navaratra Mahotsava will take place at the Mandala Cultural Centre on Kanakapura Road, adjacent to the Silk Institute metro station. The exhibition will run daily from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM until October 12. This event promises to be a vibrant celebration of Indian culture, drawing families and enthusiasts alike to experience the rich tapestry of stories and traditions.