"CRAFT & DESIGN SESSION II Taal Patar Sepai Learn the making of bengal's oldest form of rod puppet"

One of the attractions of the regional fairs at one time was this puppet. Today, not only the children but also an entire generation has forgotten this. Kolkata Centre for Creativity made a small initiative to introduce this Palm Leaf Sepoy to this generation alongside many dazzling electric toys. KCC organized a workshop on the making of Bengal’s oldest form of rod puppet. This workshop has sincerely conveyed the message of sustainability through the encouragement of making palm leaf puppets. ‘Taal Patar Sepai’ or Palm Leaf Sepoy is one of the oldest forms of Indian puppetry as well as Bengal. These puppets are made of dried palm leaves. Dried palm leaves are also used for making other handicrafts which are used for household purposes too such as chatai (like a stool; something which is used to sit on), hand fans, hats and more. Pattachitra on palm leaves is an acclaimed art in Odisha. The workshop led to an interesting part where the participants engaged in a talk session, in order to underline traditional and entertaining aspects of puppetry.

MADAN MOHAN DUTTA
is an active artisan who is dedicated to carrying on his craft of puppet making, Palm Leaf Sepoy (In Bengali: ‘Taal Patar Sepai’). It is a form of rod puppet made from the leaves of palm trees. It is one of the oldest forms of Indian puppetry. He has been working for 15 years and continues to strive for perfection. His father, Dhol Gobindo Dutta, was one of the artisans who continued the tradition of making this unique form of puppet and now his son is keeping the tradition alive. Madan Mohan Dutta has worked with many organisations, schools, NGOs. He has also shown his creativity in decorating Puja Pandals with this creative art form.