Sakhi kandhei (Also sakhi kundhei, sakhi nata) is a string puppetry show popular in the Indian state of Odisha, especially in the Kendrapara district of Odisha. This form of art is still performed by local artists in and around Palakana, a small village in Kendrapara. Puppeteers generally form groups and travel from village to village for performing shows. Wooden dolls are tied to strings which are controlled by pulling and releasing the strings. Different expressions by pulling the strings narrate tales from the Puranas and modern social life. A group of artists perform music and give background voice for the narration of stories.
Considering sakhi kandhei a dying art form, Odisha Sangeet Natak Akademi is taking steps to popularize and revive it. A handful of puppeteers have taken initiatives to revive this art form.
Puppets Wooden puppets are used in Sakhi kandhei which have three pieces; head and the two hands with the wrists with hole in them to insert fingers. The three pieces are joined together and long sleeved dresses are used to cover the bodies. Strings are attached to the thumb, limbs and other body parts which are pulled and released to give rhythmic gesture based on the story's narratives.
See also
Chadar Badar, puppet art of Santhal people of India Gopalila, puppet art of Odisha state of India Kathputli (puppetry), puppet art of Rajasthan state of India Nokkuvidya pavakali, puppet art of Kerala state of India Rabana Chhaya, shadow puppet art of Odisha state of India Shadow play, shadow puppet art which originated in first millennium BCE in India Tholpavakoothu, shadow puppet art of Kerala and Tami Nadu states of India Tholu bommalata, shadow puppet art of Andhra Pradesh state of India Togalu gombeyaata, shadow puppet art of Karnataka state of India Wayang, Indonesian and Malay equivalent Hun lakhon lek, Thai equivalent Nang yai, Thai equivalent Nang talung, Thai equivalent
References
See also Kathputli (Puppet) Puppetry