Krishna Leela: Bringing Tradition to Life

Our PYP students had the privilege of witnessing a unique cultural performance, Krishna Leela – A Putul Nach Puppet Show, organized by Dr. Swati Piramal to foster awareness and appreciation of traditional art forms.

The show was presented by the Daricha Foundation from Kolkata, which works to revive and preserve West Bengal’s rich folk and tribal heritage. Puppeteers from rural Bengal, many of whom were travelling outside their villages for the first time, performed using traditional Putul Nach puppets. Their storytelling was accompanied by melodious Bengali folk music and Patua paintings that brought the tales of Krishna to life.

Adding an international dimension, giant lantern puppets inspired by traditional art forms from Korea, Japan, and China were used to depict the defeat of the demon Agasura. Modern technology and artificial intelligence were also integrated, making the performance a blend of heritage and innovation.

The magical retelling of Krishna Leela not only introduced our students to the richness of Indian epics but also offered them a glimpse into how traditional arts can adapt and thrive in today’s world. It was a truly meaningful experience for our young learners, leaving them inspired and enriched.