Gombeyatta

Gombeyatta (meaning "puppet play" in Kannada) is a traditional string puppet theatre from Karnataka that has entertained audiences for over five centuries. This folk art form uses intricately carved wooden puppets, each standing 18-24 inches tall, manipulated by skilled puppeteers using 5-8 strings attached to a central control rod.

The puppets are carved from light wood, typically from the Haale tree, and feature jointed limbs that allow for remarkably lifelike movements. Traditional performances depict stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas, with the puppeteers providing dialogue, singing and narration while controlling multiple characters. The Killekyatha community has been the traditional custodians of this art, passing down techniques through generations.