Archive · 23 Aug 2025
Gandhiya Village Keeps Puppet Dance Tradition Alive in Assam
Imagine tiny people made of cloth dancing on strings!
That's puppetry, a very old art form that's like a play with puppets.
It's been around for a long, long time, since around the year 500 BC.
In a village called Gandhiya in Assam, India, people are still keeping this art alive, which is special because it's disappearing in many places.
Different groups of people in the village have formed puppet teams, putting on shows at parties and festivals.
Some teams even got money and awards for their work!
The government and local groups are also working to support and spread the love for this unique art.
Gandhiya village in Assam keeps the traditional puppet dance alive.
The art form, dating back to the 5th century BC, is performed during festivals and celebrations.
Several puppet dance teams have formed in Gandhiya village.
Some teams received financial assistance and recognition for their performances.
A puppet exhibition was recently organized to promote the art.
- Who
- Various puppet dance teams and local artists in Gandhiya village.
- What
- Puppet dance performances are thriving in Gandhiya village.
- When
- The tradition dates back to around the 5th century BC, with modern teams formed in 2004 and 2008.
- Where
- Gandhiya village in Assam, India.
- Why
- To preserve and promote the traditional folk art of puppetry.
Preservation of Art
Modernization vs Tradition
Importance
Preservation of Art
Puppetry is essential to be preserved.
Modernization vs Tradition
This traditional art is not essential.
- Art Form
- Puppet Dance
- Village
- Gandhiya, Assam
- Teams Formed
- Nazaraj Putala Theatre (2004), Basudev Putala Nach Dal (2008), Maa Manasa Putala Theatre (2018)
- Financial Assistance
- Some teams received support from Sangeet Natak Akademi and the State Government.
- Exhibition Location
- Kamrup College Auditorium