PUTOLANACH: PUPPETRY ART-FORM OF ASSAM

• Context: The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an Assam-based trust the opportunity to focus on a near-forgotten form of string puppetry called PutolaNach.

About PutolaNach:

• The string puppetry of Assam is called PutalaNach and is performed in three areas with distinct characteristics.
• These areas are Barpeta-Nalbari in western Assam, Kalaigaon in northern Assam and Majuli “island” in eastern Assam.
• The Ramayana, either in its entirety or by episodes, is performed, as well as scenes from the Mahabharata. The puppeteers are happy to add dialogues or chants taken from bhaona, the local traditional theatre.