National Puppetry Festival in Mysuru: Celebrating Puppetry Art and Enhancing Tourism from December 16-21, 2025

Published on December 15, 2025

Mysuru, known for its regal heritage, rich culture, and mesmerizing festivals, is about to host one of the most anticipated events of the season—the National Puppetry Festival. Running from December 16 to 21, 2025, this festival promises to celebrate the art of puppetry, an age-old tradition that has fascinated audiences for generations. The event will bring together puppet artists, enthusiasts, and tourists from across India to witness an array of performances, workshops, and cultural exchanges, all set against the backdrop of one of India’s most iconic cities.

This year’s festival aims to not only showcase the intricacies of puppetry but also to bring attention to the cultural tourism potential of Mysuru, elevating its status as a must-visit destination during the festive season. With a long-standing tradition of cultural excellence, Mysuru has always attracted tourists for its grand palaces, rich history, and religious significance. However, the National Puppetry Festival introduces a new and unique experience that will add another layer to the city’s tourism appeal.

The Allure of Puppetry: A Cultural Treasure

Puppetry, as a performing art, has been an integral part of various cultures around the world for centuries. In India, puppetry is not just a form of entertainment but a cultural treasure, with each state offering its own distinctive puppetry style. From the intricate shadow puppets of Kerala to the vibrant Kathputli of Rajasthan, India’s puppetry traditions are as diverse as its people. The National Puppetry Festival in Mysuru seeks to bring together these various styles, showcasing the versatility of puppetry in storytelling, education, and entertainment.

Mysuru, with its historical richness and artistic heritage, provides the perfect setting for this event. The festival will feature puppet shows, interactive sessions, puppetry workshops, and exhibitions, offering a deep dive into this ancient art form. Audiences can expect to witness both traditional puppetry performances as well as modern adaptations, demonstrating the adaptability of this art form in today’s world. These performances, often based on Indian mythology, folklore, and contemporary themes, offer a unique opportunity for cultural immersion, making it a compelling attraction for tourists.

Mysuru: A Hub for Cultural Tourism

Mysuru is already a well-known hub for cultural tourism in India, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its majestic Mysore Palace, Chamundeshwari Temple, and the stunning Brindavan Gardens. The National Puppetry Festival adds a fresh dimension to the city’s cultural landscape. By introducing this unique festival, Mysuru is not just reinforcing its reputation as a cultural destination but also carving out a niche in performance art tourism.

For tourists visiting Mysuru during the festival, the event provides an opportunity to explore the city’s cultural richness in an entirely new light. The Puppetry Festival will become an attraction that complements the traditional sights and experiences of Mysuru. As one of the most anticipated cultural events in the city, the festival will undoubtedly contribute to the local economy by attracting tourists and art lovers alike. From a travel perspective, the festival creates a new reason for both domestic and international tourists to plan their trips to Mysuru during the holiday season.

Incorporating puppetry into the fabric of Mysuru’s tourism ecosystem introduces an innovative cultural element that appeals to a wide variety of audiences. Whether it’s families with children, cultural enthusiasts, or international tourists interested in traditional Indian art forms, the Puppetry Festival will offer something for everyone. This expansion of Mysuru’s tourism offerings enhances the city’s profile as a destination that celebrates Indian arts, making it more competitive with other cultural capitals in India.

Expanding the Tourism Calendar

The timing of the National Puppetry Festival is strategic, as it aligns with the holiday season in India. December is a peak travel period in India, with both international and domestic travelers exploring the country for its cultural and festive experiences. By holding the festival during this time, Mysuru stands to benefit from an increase in foot traffic and hotel bookings, as well as greater attention from travel media and tourists seeking unique cultural experiences. The festival’s addition to the city’s tourism calendar also helps to balance the seasonality of tourist visits, making Mysuru an attractive year-round destination.

For the local economy, the festival creates a surge in hospitality and service industries, including hotels, restaurants, and transport services. Local handicraft vendors and performers will also benefit from the increased attention to Mysuru’s artistic culture, further bolstering the local economy. The event will also encourage the development of smaller cultural attractions in the city, which will continue to engage visitors long after the festival ends. By extending the tourism calendar and promoting off-season activities, Mysuru can foster sustainable tourism growth.

The Role of Workshops and Cultural Exchange

One of the standout features of the National Puppetry Festival is its emphasis on education and cultural exchange. While the performances will be the main draw, the festival will also feature puppetry workshops, where attendees can learn about the history and techniques of puppetry. These workshops are a fantastic opportunity for tourists to not only enjoy the performances but also take a hands-on approach to learning the art of puppetry.

These educational experiences are particularly important for enhancing tourism experiences. Tourists today are increasingly seeking interactive and immersive experiences during their travels. By offering a chance to participate in workshops and engage with puppetry experts, the Puppetry Festival allows visitors to deepen their understanding of Indian culture and traditions. For international tourists, it also provides a unique souvenir in the form of puppet-making skills that they can take back home, fostering a stronger connection with the city and its cultural heritage.

The workshops and cultural exchanges also provide an excellent opportunity for local and international artists to connect, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas. This could lead to long-term partnerships between Indian puppetry artists and their counterparts in other countries, further promoting the global reach of Indian art forms.

A New Perspective on India’s Rich Cultural Diversity

While Mysuru is often celebrated for its royal heritage, the Puppetry Festival offers a fresh perspective on India’s cultural richness. Through the art of puppetry, visitors can explore different regional traditions and artistic expressions, further understanding the vast diversity of Indian culture. The festival serves as a platform for lesser-known art forms to shine, offering exposure to regional puppetry traditions such as Togalu Gombeyatta from Karnataka and Rajasthan’s Kathputli puppets, all while preserving India’s ancient storytelling techniques.

By showcasing these diverse art forms, the National Puppetry Festival in Mysuru becomes a vehicle for promoting India’s cultural heritage on a global stage. The festival’s focus on puppetry aligns with the broader movement to protect and promote traditional Indian arts. With the tourism sector increasingly emphasizing authenticity and cultural experiences, the Puppetry Festival provides a perfect platform for tourists to immerse themselves in the richness of India’s ancient artistic traditions.

Strengthening Mysuru’s Cultural Tourism Brand

The introduction of the National Puppetry Festival further strengthens Mysuru’s position as a key cultural tourism destination in India. While the city is already recognized for its historical landmarks and festivals such as Dussehra, the addition of a puppetry festival helps diversify its offerings and appeal to a broader audience. As cultural tourism becomes a key driver of growth in India’s tourism industry, Mysuru is capitalizing on its unique heritage to become a must-visit destination for travelers seeking rich cultural experiences.

The festival also adds an element of seasonal tourism, attracting visitors who might otherwise not consider Mysuru as a winter holiday destination. By expanding its offerings and diversifying its tourism products, the city can draw in holiday tourists looking for something beyond traditional sightseeing. This diversification helps ensure that Mysuru remains competitive in the face of growing domestic and international travel trends.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Puppetry and Cultural Tourism in Mysuru

In conclusion, the National Puppetry Festival in Mysuru represents a significant step forward for the city’s cultural tourism landscape. By celebrating the art of puppetry and fostering community engagement, the festival contributes to both local economic growth and global cultural exchange. For travelers, it offers an immersive experience that combines tradition, education, and entertainment. As tourism continues to grow as a central part of Mysuru’s economy, the Puppetry Festival provides an innovative way to engage with India’s rich cultural diversity, offering something new and unique for tourists to explore.

Mysuru’s ability to evolve and adapt to emerging tourism trends, while still preserving its historical identity, ensures that it will continue to be a beacon of cultural tourism in India for years to come. With events like the National Puppetry Festival, Mysuru is proving that cultural traditions can be both timeless and dynamic, creating lasting memories for visitors and reinforcing India’s position as a world leader in cultural tourism.