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Putal Yatra showcases innovative puppet styles from across India
by Lokendra Singh

      Jaipur: The audience was enthralled by a unique puppetry show in Jaipur. Many new faces of Indian puppets can be seen in this grand show named 'Putal Yatra'. Besides providing entertainment, the event aimed at sending the message across about the need to deal with the problem of global warming. Many young artists mesmerized the young and old alike with their innovative methods and techniques used in telling their interesting stories with endearing characters and colourful setting. "It was a very exciting show because they are basically trying to display something about what changes have come across the globe, indirectly trying to tell about the global warming and environment. It was a great show," said Archana, a spectator. This first of its kind event is being jointly organized by the Jawahar Kala Kendra of Jaipur and the Sangeet Natak Academy. Several professional puppeteers and new artistes participated in this event, displaying a large variety of puppets. "In this 'Putal Yatra', puppets of different styles from across the country are being displayed. The new artistes are presenting these puppets in different ways using new stories and techniques. A combination of all these are involved in this event," said Rajeev Acharya, program coordinator of the event. Puppetry has been one of the most ancient forms of entertainment in India. It has been an effective visual art to convey varied messages to the society. Puppetry or 'Kathputli' as it is known in local jargon is an ancient traditional art form of India dating back to the times of Indus valley civilisation. Normally in India, there are four types of puppetry art - Rajasthan is famous for its string puppets, Bengal and Assam for iron rods instead of strings and southern states for shadow puppets, which are made of leather. The fourth category is human puppets known as contemporary art, which is the latest form of puppetry where technology plays an important role.
-Apr 1, 2009