Bengal’s Folk Puppetry in Modern Performance

Folk puppetry in Bengal, once a thriving form of village entertainment, is finding new purpose in contemporary performance art. Forms like Putul Nach (doll dance) and shadow puppetry used to narrate stories from Ramayana, local legends, and social messages in rural gatherings.

Today, young performers are reviving these traditions with new stories, characters, and formats. Puppet shows are being staged in urban theatres, schools, and even international festivals. Some blend animation, multimedia, and live storytelling to reach wider audiences.

What makes Bengal’s puppetry special is its emotional depth. The hand-made puppets are painted in bright folk styles, with exaggerated expressions that communicate across language barriers. Musicians often accompany the shows, adding rhythm and atmosphere.

The revival is also driven by collaborations. Theatre directors, designers, and educators are working with traditional puppeteers to adapt the format for modern viewers—sometimes even using puppets to tackle contemporary themes like gender, politics, and environment.

This evolving form keeps tradition alive while giving it a voice in today’s world. Puppetry in Bengal is no longer just nostalgic—it’s powerful, poetic, and political.