For puppeteer and Dhaatu Puppet Theatre founder Anupama Hoskere, Dasara is about celebration, recognising goodness, and cherishing one’s home, which she calls the foundation of individual strength. “This is a festival for the people; it is for me and my circle of expansion. In Karnataka, the meaning of Dasara is very different from that of other states,” she says, as she prepares to present over 10,000 dolls at the Dhaatu Navaratra Mahotsava 2025, to be held at Mandala Cultural Centre, Kanakapura Road, from September 22 all the way till the end of the festival.
“The oldest dolls are from the British era and belonged to my grandmother. Some are fragile but their craftsmanship has helped them withstand decades, even rain and flooding,” Anupama shares.This year’s exhibition is a family effort, curated by Anupama alongside her daughter, dancer and puppeteer Prakruti Hoskere, featuring dolls passed down through three generations. The display also features dolls from across the globe, with a special section spotlighting Kashmir tourism. “This year, Kashmir went through something we had never imagined. It is time to bring back attention to its beauty and significance, which is why we created this section,” Anupama adds.
