Agartala: Tripura is set to make history by hosting its first-ever ‘Tripura International Puppet Festival,’ scheduled to kick off on February 26. The festival is a part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations of Tripura Puppet Theatre and promises a cultural extravaganza featuring puppet theatre groups from around the world and various Indian states.
Prabhitangsu Das, the Director of Tripura Puppet Theatre, announced that the three-day festival (February 26-28) will witness the participation of puppet theatre groups from the United States, Brazil, Spain, Bangladesh, and six groups from New Delhi, Rajasthan, West Bengal, and the host state, Tripura.
As an integral component of the festival, a seminar on “Theatre and Puppetry as Effective Tools for Learning and Awareness” will be organized on the valedictory day, February 28.
Prabhitangsu Das, a recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2016 and several other accolades for his contributions to contemporary puppetry, highlighted that the Tripura Puppet Theatre group has not only entertained audiences worldwide but has also been providing free training to aspiring artists.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tripura Puppet Theatre group undertook a commendable awareness program using traditional “Putul Nach” (puppet dance), capturing the attention and appreciation of people.
The inaugural Tripura International Puppet Festival is expected to be a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, and the rich heritage of puppetry. The event signifies Tripura’s commitment to promoting the arts and fostering international cultural exchange. Enthusiasts and participants alike are eagerly anticipating the three days of puppetry brilliance in this historic event.