Rooftop – Where India Inspires Creativity

Tholu Bommalata By Soojata Arora

Tholu bommalata is the shadow puppet theatre tradition of the state of Andhra Pradesh in India. Its performers are part of a group of wandering entertainers and peddlers who pass through villages during a year and offer to sing ballads, tell fortunes, sell amulets, perform acrobatics, charm snakes, weave fishnets, tattoo local people and mend pots. This ancient custom, which for centuries before radio, film, and television provided knowledge of Hindu epics and local folk tales, not to mention news, spread to the most remote corners of the Indian subcontinent. To give our Circle Members the experience to learn and enlighten themselves about this traditional art form, Rajasthan Studio curated a special workshop and invited Soojata Arora.

Soojata Arora is a freelance art instructor by profession. Her journey in the art world began 25 years ago. She specializes in various kinds of Indian folk arts like Madhubani, Saura, Warli, Tholu Bommalata, Bengal Pattachitra, Bhil, Gond, Kalamkari, etc. Soojata has been trained under traditional local artisans. She also conducts workshops for mandala, doodling, coffee art, dot painting, etc. She conducts wellness art workshops for the corporate world as well.

For her, art is a beautiful medium to express her happiness, stay calm, understand and express her emotions, and boost her self-esteem.

 Tholu Bommalata Workshop Began

Soojata started the session by telling the students about herself and her journey till now. She went on to explain the history of Tholu Bommalata. All the attendees paid attention and noted all the key points.

She explained the design for the day. She told the attendees the different materials required like paper leather. Soojata taught them how to begin sketching the art piece and went on to explain how to fill in the borders. She made sure she answered all the queries of the attendees.

Towards The End Of The Workshop

After meticulously outlining, the students finally started filling in vibrant colors. Soojata explained all the finer points also in detail. The attendees were very excited to showcase their work. The overall experience was very delightful and everyone was elated by the experience.

The attendees were from different parts of the country. Also, they belonged to different age groups but their love for art brought them together on a single platform. Rajasthan Studio as always was successful in connecting artists and curating a magical and positive vibe together. 

On this note, here’s us signing off until next time!

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