In Karnataka, Huli Vesha, Singari Chende and other folk dances are quite popular in the coastal areas of India. Among such entertainment teams, Kalladka Gombe of Shilpa Kalal Troupe is one of the prominent teams in the Dakshin Kannada district. There are always stone dolls which play an important role in performance. It is quite famous in Karnataka and other states.
Kalladka Gombe has been operating in Bantwala Taluk of Dakshina Kannada District for the past 32 years, entertaining people in various types of events, religious, social and cultural. Ramesh Acharya of Kalladka introduced the concept of these dolls to the Anna Coast. There are many types of dolls in this group including big-size dolls, hinged horses and Karagam.
This team of Shilpa Art Troupe has many varieties of dolls. It includes the dolls in fairy costumes, male and female dolls and comedy dolls. The puppets wear expressions — happy, sad or serious — depending on the character. When puppet players put on the doll faces and costumes, they stand tall, even up to 15ft. Every year, Ramesh creates new themes. He ensures that he spreads social messages like protecting wildlife and forests.
The idea of doll-making occurred to Ramesh when he saw a mask at a festival in Shivamogga in 1986. A signboard artist then, Ramesh found his calling. He started to experiment at home and introduced puppets at a Ganesha festival in Kalladka the same year.
This Kalladka Gombe troupe has performed in the state and outside, winning many awards. These doll groups are common along the coast as the main attraction in all kinds of gatherings and ceremonies, including religious processions and weddings.
This troupe has performed in many big events including Mysore Dussehra. Apart from entertainment, this troupe has also provided employment opportunities to many people. More than 40 people are working in this team, while some others are recognised in this team as dolls in their spare time along with other work.
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