 |
| Courtesy: Google Images |
Since ancient times, puppetry has been one of the most popular sources of entertainment in India. Puppet shows are viewed and liked equally by children and adults. In addition to providing entertainment to the public, puppetry in India provides a good employment opportunity to many.
Besides the
classical dance forms of India, Indian puppetry too has its own significance and importance. Mostly Indian puppet shows are themed on stories like Panchatantra Tales, Hitopadesha Tales, Moral Stories, Jataka Tales and Stories from Vikram and Bhetal and mythological stories.
There are different forms of Puppetry in India. In the North Western part of India, people use strings for playing the colorfully dressed wooden toys and in South mostly flat leather figures used in puppet shows. Puppet making is an industry in itself which engages large number of employees who make creative efforts to showcase their talent in puppet-making. Even the way the puppets are presented on the stage involves the creative skills of the puppeteers who work together in coordination to bring out the best. The different types of puppetry in India include:
1. Shadow Puppets
India is rich in the varieties of shadow puppets that are showcased in different regions. Mostly flat puppets made of leather (other materials) are held by the puppeteers on the rear side of a white screen. The artists play the puppets based on the story and the audience who sit in front of the white screen enjoy the shadows / silhouettes of the dancing puppets. Hence the name 'shadow puppets'.
 |
| Courtesy: Google Images |
The puppets are stuck vertically to cane or bamboo sticks and the puppeteers skillfully play the puppets with light and sound effects. Shadow puppets are known by different names in different states in South India. In Andhra Pradesh it is popular as
Tholu Bommalata and is known as
Togalu Gombe Ata in Karnataka. In the Ratnagiri area of Maharashtra, it is known as
Chamadyache Bahulya. And in Tamil Nadu this is known as
Thol Bommalattam. In Odisha, this is known by the name
Rabano Chaya.
The size of the puppets, the color and materials used slightly varies from one region to the other.
2. String Puppets
 |
| Courtesy: Google Inages |
In this form of puppetry, strings are held by the hands of the puppeteers. These strings are tied at the joints of the puppets. Mostly these puppets are made of soft wood, stuffed cloth, String puppets are also known as marionettes. These puppets have jointed limbs and arms for the flexible movement of the puppets.
The traditional string puppet shows of Rajasthan is the most popular ones and are known as Kathputali. The puppets of Rajasthan reflect their tradition and are very colorfully dressed.
String puppet shows are also popular in other regions of the country and are called by different names. This is known as Putol Nach in Assam, In Karnataka, it is known as Gombeyatta and in Maharashtra, it is known by the name Kalasutri Bahulya. But unfortunately, this is almost at the verge of extinction and needs revival. In Odisha, these are called Gopalila Kundhei while in Tamil Nadu, it is known by the name Bommalattam.
3. Rod Puppets
 |
| Courtesy: Google Images |
As the name indicates rods are used by the puppeteers for skillfully playing the puppets. Hence the name 'Rod Puppets'. This form of puppetry is mostly found in Eastern parts of India. It is popularly known as Putul Nautch in West Bengal. The traditional rod puppet of Bihar is known as Yampuri. Though this is not much popular in Odisha yet it exists and is known as Kathi Kondhai. These puppets too have joints for flexible movements. The puppets vary in size and color from region to region.
4. Hand / Glove Puppet
As the name indicates glove puppets are mostly made of cloth and are worn on the hand by the puppeteers and they use their finger movements for playing the puppets. Pavakoothu of Kerala is a popular glove puppetry.
 |
| Courtesy: Google Images |
Presenting a puppet show involves much of creative effort and proper coordination of the artists i.e puppeteers However silver screen movies and small screen programmes are ruling the roost. Unfortunately this wonderful art of puppetry is gradually fading and it's time to revival this wonderful traditional art form of India. Puppet shows emotionally motivate the physically and mentally challenged children. The Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT) is taking all efforts to encourage the puppeteers across the country and giving much support in all aspects.
Popular posts from this blog
Seemantham is a traditional south Indian way of celebrating baby shower. The same is celebrated in north India as 'godbharai' ('god' means lap in Hindi - 'd' in 'god' is pronounced as 'the' and bharai means 'to fill'). The celebration differs from region to region. Seemantham is also known by the names 'poolu mudupu' (i.e adoring flowers in the hair) and 'gajulu todagadam' (i.e wearing glass bangles) in Telugu. It is celebrated in the 5th or 7th or 9th month of pregnancy. Seemantham is one of the 16 Hindu samskaras known as 'simantonnayana' in Sanskrit. It is a samskara of the embryo / foetus that develops in the pregnant woman's womb. Usually, seemantham is celebrated for the 1st pregnancy only and not for the subsequent conceives. There are certain superstitious believes on celebrating the function. In the olden days, people believed that pregnant women are easily prone to 'dishti' or evil e
Aksharabhyasam Meaning The word 'Akshara' means letters (alphabets) in Sanskrit and 'abhyasam' means practice. Aksharabhyasam is a traditional religious function of Hindus. It is also known as 'Vidyaarambham' which literally means starting of education. In this function a child is given initiation for writing / education. With this function the child is ready to receive formal education in a school. The function is performed in different ways in different regions of India. When to perform aksharabhyasam In the olden days, aksharabhyasam was performed when the child was 5 years old. But presently because of early education at Kindergarten level, parents perform this ceremony when the child is in his 3rd year i.e. after the child completes 2 years. Normally there is a belief that aksharabhyasam should not be performed after the child completes 3 years and is in its 4th year. Where to perform aksharabhyasam The function can be performed either in a temp
Author Reserves All Rights. Listen to the speech in my YouTube Channel: This sample speech would be helpful for the school principal to deliver on the occasion of school farewell day party. Respected teachers and my dear students, Good Morning / Good Afternoon to each one present here and a very warm welcome to you to the school farewell party. It's a nostalgic feeling as I remember my student life in school and my school farewell party. I am sure we all have mixed feelings on this day which is a blend of joy and sadness. On one hand you feel enthusiastic as you will be stepping into a completely new different world where you will find relatively more freedom than in a school life. While on the other hand you will feel sad as you have to depart from your school / classmates. My dear friends the time has come to bid you all farewell with a heavy heart from this esteemed institution which protected you, cared for you, supported you and guided you all these years.
Comments
Post a Comment