Puppeteers lament decline in popularity of traditional art

Ranchi: On World Puppetry Day, puppeteers from across the state came together here on Friday to lament the declining popularity of their traditional craft. Once a powerful medium for raising awareness and entertaining audiences, puppetry is now struggling to stay relevant in the face of modern forms of entertainment.
According to the puppeteers, the decline of the traditional craft has been steady over the years with fewer people showing interest in this ancient art form. As a result, many puppeteers are being forced to abandon the craft and seek alternative careers in other art forms. They said govt authorities concerned also remain apathetic to promote the art form.
Speaking to TOI, Pushkar Mahto, a Ranchi-based puppeteer, said, "Puppetry has always remained a strong medium for communication and spreading awareness with the masses on various issues. Earlier, govt departments used to engage puppeteers to spread awareness. Over the years, puppetry's popularity has been declining, giving a massive blow to the art form and its practitioners. The space once occupied by the traditional art form is now been replaced by social media campaigns and other digital platforms."
Mahto added that the popularity of the art form has not only declined in Jharkhand but in other states as well. "We were invited to other places outside Jharkhand to perform, but since the Covid pandemic, we have not got any invitation. Before the assembly election last year, I approached the authorities to use puppetry in the voter awareness campaigns, but got no response," he added. Another former puppeteer, Arun Nayak, said the declining popularity of the art form has compelled him to seek alternative career options.
"Due to the lesser number of shows, I have now abandoned the art form and joined a theatre group to earn my livelihood. Puppetry was once a thriving art form in Jharkhand, but now it's struggling to survive. Many of us are being forced to give up our craft and take up other jobs just to make ends meet. The govt should take initiatives to save the dying art form," Nayak added.