Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Strings that speak

THE TIMELESS ART OF PUPPETRY 
In a world dominated by screens and digital storytelling, the age-old charm of puppetry still holds its ground. From the vibrant Kathputlis of Rajasthan to the shadow puppets of Indonesia and the marionettes of Europe, puppets have enchanted audiences for centuries, weaving stories with strings, shadows, and spirited movements.
Puppetry is more than entertainment—it is a mirror to culture, tradition, and imagination. Across the globe, puppet shows have long served as a medium for folklore, moral lessons, political satire, and religious epics. Long before cinema and animation, puppeteers brought gods, kings, animals, and even demons to life on makeshift stages, captivating both young and old.
Tholu Bommalata 
There are many types of puppets: string (marionettes), hand, rod, shadow, and glove puppets, each with its own distinct method of operation and appeal. In India alone, different regions boast unique forms—like Tholu Bommalata from Andhra Pradesh (leather shadow puppetry) or Gombeyatta from Karnataka (rod puppets). Each style carries centuries of heritage, performed with live music, narration, and traditional costumes.
Gombeyatta 
Today, puppetry has expanded beyond folk art. It plays a role in education, therapy, and even political commentary. Modern puppeteers are blending technology with tradition, creating interactive performances and digital puppetry that preserve the soul of the art while reaching new audiences.
Yet, for all its evolution, the essence of puppetry remains unchanged: it's about storytelling through movement, voice, and heart. In the skilled hands of a puppeteer, a lifeless figure becomes a breathing character, speaking truths that resonate across time and culture.
As long as there are stories to tell and listeners to wonder, puppets will continue to dance, whisper, and sing—reminding us of the magic that lies in the simplest forms of expression.
World puppetry day is celebrated on March 21st.

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