In the Puppeteer's Grip: Recollections of My First Kathputli Show

A few years back, during a visit to Rangla Punjab, I was transported to olden times as I witnessed my first-ever Kathputli show— a captivating art form my parents and grandparents had often spoken of with a twinkle in their eyes. Intrigued by their nostalgic tales, I found myself in a dimly lit venue, where anticipation mingled with the rhythmic pulse of a distant drum.

As the curtain rose, the stage came alive with an explosion of vibrant colours. Kathputlis adorned in traditional attire, were ready to be gracefully manipulated by their string masters, each movement telling a story of struggle and triumph. Among them, my favourite was Meena, a young puppet on the brink of a life-altering decision. As the puppeteer weaved her tale, I watched with bated breath.

In a village far away, where the sun kisses the sky,

Lived a woman named Meena, with dreams as high.

But her family had plans for her, to wed and stay,

Yet Meena yearned for more, to follow her own way.

Oh Meena, brave and bold,

With a spirit that shines like gold.

She’ll travel far and wide,

With her dreams as her guide.

Leaving home behind, she set off on her own,

Through valleys and mountains, where the wild winds have blown.

In a village she found, a sight to behold,

Women making bangles, their stories untold.

Oh Meena, brave and bold,

With a spirit that shines like gold.

She’ll travel far and wide,

With her dreams as her guide.

But behind their smiles, lay a silent cry,

For the women were confined, with dreams left to die.

Meena knew she had to act, to set them free,

To unleash their talents, for the world to see.

Oh Meena, brave and bold,

With a spirit that shines like gold.

She’ll travel far and wide,

With her dreams as her guide.

Together they worked, with hands and hearts entwined,

Creating bangles that shimmered, like stars aligned.

But though they made hundreds, there were no buyers in sight,

For the men of the village, dimmed their dreams with their might.

Oh Meena, brave and bold,

With a spirit that shines like gold.

She’ll travel far and wide,

With her dreams as her guide.

Undeterred by setbacks, Meena took a stand,

She sold the bangles herself, with determination grand.

And in the queen of the palace, she found a ray of light,

Who embraced their craft with all her might.

Meena stood before the queen, her heart pounding with pride,

She presented her bangles, her voice strong and wide.

"This art is unique," she said with a smile so bright,

"And though my price is low, its value is quite right."

The queen's eyes sparkled, touched by Meena's grace,

She purchased all the bangles, at double the base.

"Keep bringing more," she said, with a regal decree,

"For your craft is a treasure, for all to see."

Oh Meena, brave and bold,

With a spirit that shines like gold.

She’ll travel far and wide,

With her dreams as her guide.

Returning to her village, with hope in her heart,

Meena shared her earnings, a new journey to start.

For in unity and strength, they found their power anew,

Together, they rose, their dreams coming true.

Oh Meena, brave and bold,

With a spirit that shines like gold.

She’ll travel far and wide,

With her dreams as her guide.

Oh Meena, the woman of courage and grace,

Your story will live on in every heart and place.

For in the hands of women lies the power to soar,

And with each other’s support, they’ll conquer even more.

With those parting sentiments, the curtains closed, bringing an end to the show. The entire performance was so enchanting that it felt like stepping into a realm of magic. The delicate puppets, brought to life by skilled puppeteers, danced with a fluidity that belied their string-bound existence. The music, a melodic blend of traditional instruments, resonated with a familiarity I hadn’t known I craved. I was not just witnessing a performance; I was experiencing a piece of Indian heritage that had previously existed for me only in tales.

Watching the puppet dance to Meena’s story stirred something profoundly deep within me. Her defiance of societal norms and unwavering determination left me feeling inspired and empowered. It reminded me that our actions shape our destinies. As I left the show, I carried with me not just the memories of my first Kathputli dance performance, but also a newfound appreciation for those who have kept this art form alive all these years. An art form that transcends generations, turning tales into living experiences and creating a timeless link between the past and present.

Let's keep the conversation flowing in the comments- So tell me, have you had the opportunity to experience a Kathputli show firsthand?