Patna: Arthshila Patna has announced the launch of Kalanama, a summer workshop series for children and teenagers that will bring together storytelling, puppetry, cinema, calligraphy and traditional performance practices through interactive sessions beginning May 16.
The programme has been designed for participants between the ages of six and 18 and aims to create a space where children can engage with the arts through participation, imagination and collaborative learning.
According to Arthshila Patna, the workshops seek to introduce artistic practices not as rigid disciplines but as “living forms of expression”.
The organisation said the initiative would allow participants to interact directly with:
- artists
- storytellers
- educators
- performers
- cultural practitioners
through hands-on sessions focused on observation, creativity and experimentation.
Workshops To Explore Cinema, Puppetry, Art And Performance Traditions
The workshop series includes programmes on:
- storytelling
- film appreciation
- puppetry
- art walks
- calligraphy
- Yakshagana performance traditions
Among the featured sessions is Tarik Ka Suraj, an interactive performance based on a picture-story by Shashi Sablok, combining rhyme, painting and movement.
Children attending the puppetry workshop will create their own puppets, develop stories and participate in performances under the guidance of facilitators.
A two-day film appreciation workshop led by Amrit Raj will introduce older participants to cinematic language, storytelling techniques, sound design and visual narration.
Other sessions include:
- an art walk through exhibitions
- storytelling around Bikshu
- a calligraphy workshop focused on lettering and visual rhythm
- an introduction to the traditional performance form of Yakshagana
‘Stories Slip Into Puppets’: Arthshila
Describing the spirit of the initiative, Arthshila Patna said the programme aimed to foster meaningful engagement with artistic and cultural traditions.
In a statement, the organisation said:
“Stories slip into puppets, films unfold as ways of seeing, walks turn into conversations with art, and calligraphy finds its rhythm in the hand.”
Officials said the workshops were intended to encourage children to explore artistic expression freely while developing creative confidence and curiosity.
Workshop Schedule
The schedule for Kalanama includes:
- Tarik Ka Suraj by Shaili Sathyu — May 16 | Ages 6–12
- Puppetry & Storytelling by Vandana Sinha and Kajal Pallavi — May 17 | Ages 6–9
- Film Appreciation by Amrit Raj — May 23–24 | Ages 14–18
- Art Walk by Mansi Kumari — May 30 | Ages 8–12
- Storytelling Bikshu by Swati Kashyap — May 31 | Ages 11–15
- Calligraphy by Sanjay Singh — June 6–7 | Ages 12–16
- Step Into Stories: Yakshagana Workshop by Keramane Shridhar Hegde — June 13 | Ages 12–16
Arthshila Patna said seats for the workshops are limited and participation will require prior registration.
