Kandhei Nat (puppet theatre), a living cultural tradition of rural Odisha and one of the state’s oldest art forms, is slowly facing extinction amid rapid modernization. However, efforts such as the National Puppet Theatre Festival are playing a vital role in preserving, promoting and reviving this rich traditional art while introducing it to the younger generation.

The two-day festival is being organised on December 18 and 19 at Bhanja Kala Mandap, under the joint aegis of the Odisha Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture and the Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi.

Participation from Across India

According to organisers, a total of 13 puppet theatre troupes are participating in the festival—eight from Odisha and five from other Indian states, including Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan and West Bengal. The festival showcases diverse forms of puppetry such as string puppets (Suta Kandhei), rod puppets (Kathi Kandhei) and shadow puppetry (Chhaya Kandhei), reflecting both traditional and contemporary styles.

Performances Highlight Cultural Diversity

The opening performance featured “Vande Mataram”, presented by the Shri Ram Shadow Theatre Research Centre of Khamar, Angul district, which deeply impressed the audience. This was followed by notable performances including Sakhi Kandhei Nat by Parameswar Singh of Kendrapada, Gopalila Kandhei Nat by Jagabandhu Behera of Bhanjanagar, Ravana Chhaya by Gouranga Charan Das of Angul, and Ramlila Kandhei Nat by Chakradhar Parida of Keonjhar.

A major highlight of the festival was the contemporary puppet theatre performance by Amarendranath Naskar from South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, along with a captivating shadow theatre presentation by Gunduraju from Karnataka, which received wide appreciation from the audience.

Preserving a Living Tradition

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Vijay Ketan Upadhyay, Secretary of the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, said such initiatives aim to rejuvenate Odisha’s art and cultural heritage. He urged young people to attend and experience these traditional performances, emphasising that Kandhei Nat remains a living cultural tradition in rural Odisha.

“The National Puppet Theatre Festival not only helps in the wide promotion of Kandhei Nat but also enables today’s youth to understand and connect with our rich cultural legacy,” he said.

The festival stands as a significant step towards safeguarding Odisha’s traditional performing arts while fostering cultural exchange at the national level.

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