Udaipur Artists Perform Ramayan and Kabuliwala Puppetry in Bhopal

Artists from the Indian Folk Art Mandal, Udaipur, staged the Ramayan and Kabuliwala puppet dramas at the five-day Putul Mahotsav organized by the Tribal Museum, Bhopal.

Dr. Laik Hussain, Director of the Mandal, stated that the festival, which showcases various styles of puppetry, commenced on Wednesday. On the opening evening, under Dr. Hussain’s guidance, the Udaipur artists presented Kabuliwala and the Ramayan narrative in the Dhaga Putli (string puppet) style.

The Ramayan puppet drama depicted key episodes, including Lord Ram’s marriage to Sita at King Janak’s Swayamvar, the celebration of Ram’s coronation in Ayodhya, the Kaikeyi-Manthara dialogue, Kaikeyi’s demand for Ram’s 14-year exile, and Bharat’s succession. Scenes from Ram, Lakshman, and Sita’s exile, Surpanakha’s encounter, Sita’s abduction by Ravana, Hanuman locating Sita, and the climactic battle between Ram and Ravana were also showcased.

Earlier, the artists performed Kabuliwala, based on Rabindranath Tagore’s story about an Afghan Pathan and a young Bengali girl, Mini. Using puppetry, the narrative illustrated the Pathan’s journey to Kolkata to sell dry fruits, his bond with Mini, the resulting conflicts, imprisonment, and eventual reunion after ten years, culminating in a touching farewell as he contributes to Mini’s wedding and returns to his homeland.

Over 100 puppets were used in both performances, operated by 18 artists working behind the large stage to bring the stories to life.