HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Jan 11: The Puppet Festival 2024, held in Sualkuchi, unfolded a captivating string puppet show narrating the Ramayan story. This performance, dedicated to the inauguration of the Lord Rama Temple in Ayodhya by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, graced the premises of Sualkuchi Sanatan Balika LP School. The classical puppetry spectacle skillfully depicted the timeless Ramayan tale ‘Raban Bodh’ in the enchanting Assamese language, marking a momentous cultural event.
The festival aimed to rekindle and showcase the rich puppetry culture of North East India. This visionary initiative, curated by Srivatsa Shandilya of the International Arts & Cultural Foundation, Bangalore, stood as a commendable effort to preserve and pass on this ancient storytelling tradition. It specifically targeted the younger generation, including school children. On the third day of the festival, a workshop by Surojit Academy contributed to cultural exchange, broadening the scope of artistic exploration. Additionally, Binita Sharma led an enthralling dance & puppetry workshop, adding a dynamic layer to the diverse offerings of the festival.
As a not-for-profit organisation, the International Arts & Cultural Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, continues to play a pivotal role in promoting and conserving the essence of puppetry—an integral component of India’s cultural heritage. The festival’s commitment to showcasing the unique puppetry traditions of the North East brought a distinctive charm to this celebration of artistic expression, fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
The resounding success of the 3-day Northeast Puppet Festival, with its focus on the Ramayan story in puppetry, celebrated and preserved the puppetry traditions of North East India. Through performances, workshops, and cultural initiatives, the festival successfully engaged and educated the younger generation while contributing to the broader cultural landscape of the region. The International Arts & Cultural Foundation’s dedication to promoting puppetry as an art form further solidifies its role in conserving India’s diverse cultural heritage.
