Animal Puppet - Pune, Maharashtra
Traditional puppet making is a family business of Gopal Bhatt. Ladies' family members make decorative items like toran, Diya, hanging Diyas, cloth birds, etc. The ladies are giving a helping hand in their leisure time. But, after all, it's a seasonal business. They can get good income only during festival time. Animal puppets are an innovation to the old ones. Animals like small and big horses, elephants, and giraffes are made. These puppets are so strong that one can easily sit on them. They don't have shops to sell these items. Hence, they roam around the city and near Shopping Malls to earn their bread and butter.
Nowadays, the demand for puppet shows has been declining. Therefore, it's very difficult for artists to survive only on puppet shows. They started a new profession of Dhol performers. They formed a group called 'Nachda Punjab' entertainment group for events. They perform at weddings, ring ceremonies, small events, and birthday parties. Their performance includes Punjabi Dhol, Bhangra Group, Punjabi Boliya Tappe, Punjabi Giddha, and D.J. Mixing LED Dhol. Their group has all Rajasthani cultural programs, including Kacchi Ghodi, Mehendi, sangeet, along with singers and performers.
