Your kids and you can learn a whole lot about your culture and get crafty at this unique picnic with puppets
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Puppets are more than just fun toys. They’re learning tools, objects of cultural significance, and repositories of history and societal changes.

With that thought in mind, Bengaluru-based non-profit organisation, Rereeti, which works to transform Indian museums into spaces of learning, delight and meaningful engagement for all visitors, will be conducting ‘Gombe Galaata: Picnic with puppets’. The day-long event will literally transport participants into the midst of Karnataka’s rich folk culture, using the ancient art form of puppetry, at The Janapada Loka Museum, Bangalore-Mysore highway, famous for housing folk arts and crafts of Karnataka.

“This is a fun, activity-based day trip for families (from ages 8 to 80) and is part of our annual summer special workshops for kids and families,” says founder-director of Rereeti, Tejshvi Jain. Established in late 2014, Rereeti works with museums and schools, as well as individuals and residents to organise fun, experiential activities that take place within museums, heritage sites and other venues that are culturally rich. “We advocate leveraging historical objects and artworks toward helping citizens learn more about their heritage and history.”

To that end, this activity will showcase the ancient craft of shadow puppetry (Togalu Gombeyaata) of Karnataka. A tradition dating back to the 10th century, it was the sole form of entertainment in those days. There are different types of leather puppets in The Janapada Loka Museum, from animals to demons, heroes, mythological characters and gods. Participants will also be able to touch and hold some of these 100-year-old puppets, which will be specially brought out from the museum storage for the event.

Families will discover the folk museum’s art and heritage through fun and innovative activities such as ‘Discovery Trail’, which allows participants to explore the museums with an activity-based game. They will have to solve a mystery by finding and following clues based on artefacts inside the museum. They will be provided with a booklet with different kinds of games that they will have to play to solve the puzzle and progress. For instance, enacting the scene of Ram killing Ravana. There will also be the opportunity to play games created by the team on-the-spot. Another activity, ‘DIY Puppet’, will teach participants to make their own shadow puppets.

To top it all, families will be treated to a meal of North Karnataka delicacies. All in all, this picnic with a difference will leave participants with a new understanding and appreciation of folk culture, and a fun way to approach museums.

The idea, says Jain, is to give every participant the opportunity to work on their listening ability and interpersonal communications. “The activities help bring out the spirit of team work, and develop their reasoning abilities, problem solving and approaching a puzzle through creative channels,” she feels. This is especially true for the kids in the audience. “The sessions are structured in ways that allow bite-sized knowledge to be absorbed by kids, and at the same time, allow retention and recall of what is learnt.”

The trip includes transport in an AC bus, breakfast en-route, activities for the entire family, lunch from the famous Lokruchi restaurant, and drop off at Town Hall.

Why visit a museum? 

Jain believes museums are fantastic places for discovery. Museums house varied collections, art works, manuscripts, instruments, and specimens that aid our learning goals and drive us to appreciate our rich natural history and cultural treasures. “You and your family will walk out with renewed interest for the world around you,” she says. 

Gombe galaata

WHERE: The Janapada Loka museum, Bengaluru-Mysore Highway

When: Saturday, April 2

Time: 8 am to 4 pm

Pick up spot: Town Hall

Register: Before March 28

Contact: info@rereeti.org