Volunteer at Dhaatu'sNavaratraMahotsava 2026
For Navaratra, Dhaatu Puppet Theater opens its doll exhibition in Bengaluru, with puppet shows and workshops alongside it. Sceen finds the volunteers who help run it. Pick a day to see its shifts and sign up.
11 Octto1 Nov
- Where: Mandala Cultural Centre, Kanakapura Rd, opp. Silk Institute Metro Stn, Talaghattapura, Bengaluru 560109
- Volunteer shifts: 9:30 AM to 8 PM
- Open to the public: 10:30 AM to 7 PM
- All day: meals and a ₹500 stipend
Volunteer days
Every day has its own page with its shifts, what they pay and who's going. Pick one to sign up.
Navaratra day 8
Day 8 of Dhaatu's Navaratra doll exhibition and puppet museum display.
- All day (₹500 + travel) 9:30 AM to 8 PM
Puppet show: Ashtavakra
String puppet show by Dhaatu Puppet Theater. The show runs 6:30 to 7:30 PM.
- All day (₹500 + travel) 9:30 AM to 8 PM
- Evening (no stipend or travel reimbursement) 4 PM to 8 PM
Puppet and dance show: Giridhar Nagar Ki Meera
Puppet and dance show by Dhaatu Puppet Theater. The show runs 6:30 to 7:30 PM.
- All day (₹500 + travel) 9:30 AM to 8 PM
- Evening (no stipend or travel reimbursement) 4 PM to 8 PM
Already done
Thank you to everyone who came.
- Done
Navaratra day 1
Opening day of the doll exhibition and puppet museum display.
- Done
Navaratra day 2
Doll exhibition, storytelling and the Bali puppet team workshop.
- Done
Navaratra day 3
Day 3 of Dhaatu's Navaratra doll exhibition and puppet museum display.
- Done
- Done
- Done
Kolaata For All
Kolaata for adults and children. The event runs 5:30 to 7 PM.
- Done
Navaratra day 7
Day 7 of Dhaatu's Navaratra doll exhibition and puppet museum display.
About the festival
Dhaatu is a not-for-profit puppet theater and culture education centre in Bengaluru, founded in 2004. It tells stories from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, Bhasa, Kalidasa and the Panchatantra through two old Indian art forms: doll-keeping (bombe) and puppetry.
The Navaratra Mahotsava is Dhaatu's festival around its doll exhibition. In 2026 the exhibition is in its 31st year, running 11 Oct to 1 Nov at Mandala Cultural Centre on Kanakapura Road.
Its founder, Smt. Anupama Hoskere, was awarded the Padma Shri in 2024 for her work in puppetry. On the day, volunteers follow her lead and the Dhaatu team's.
- HostDhaatu Puppet Theater, Bengaluru
- Dates11 Oct to 1 Nov 2026
- VenueMandala Cultural Centre, Kanakapura Rd, opp. Silk Institute Metro Stn, Talaghattapura, Bengaluru 560109
- Moredhaatupuppets.org
A certificate for your hours
Every volunteer gets a certificate once their attendance is marked. It lists the hours you gave, and you can use it for community service programmes at school or college, such as AICTE activity points.
Questions
Who can volunteer?
Anyone aged 16 or older. If you're 16 or 17, bring a letter signed by a parent or guardian. You don't need experience: the Dhaatu team shows you what's needed on the day.
What will I do?
Set up the stage, untangle and handle puppets, guide visitors through the exhibition and seat people for shows. Each day's page says more.
What are the hours?
Volunteer shifts run from 9:30 AM to 8 PM. The exhibition is open to the public from 10:30 AM to 7 PM. Each day above lists its own shifts.
Is it paid?
Volunteers who come for the whole day get meals and a ₹500 stipend. Each day's page lists its shifts.
What should I wear?
Strictly modest Indian ethnic wear. No jeans. If you don't follow the dress code, you won't be let in. The rest of the volunteer guidelines are on the Dhaatu page.
Do I need to speak Kannada?
No. It helps a lot with visitors, but you don't need it.
How do I get there?
Take the metro to Silk Institute station. Mandala Cultural Centre is right opposite.
Is Navaratra the same as Navaratri?
Yes. Navaratra is the name Dhaatu uses for its festival, so we use it too.
Who do I ask if I'm stuck?
Message Sceen on WhatsApp at +91 80503 17276.