Mysore/Mysuru: The meticulously arranged ‘Srinivasa Kalyana’ dolls at Inchara Kalakshetra in Vijayanagar 2nd Stage, is drawing the attention of the public.

Senior artist and painter K.S. Raghavendra Karpur, a resident of Mahadeshwaranagar in Vijayanagar 2nd Stage, is the man behind the show. The Kalakshetra, located adjacent to his residence, has been drawing people in large numbers every day for its magnificently and meticulously arranged ‘Srinivasa Kalyana’ dolls highlighting Srinivasa and Padmavathi Kalyana in the backdrop of Tirumala-Tirupati Hill Range. The doll arrangement is a treat to watch.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, artist Raghavendra Karpur said that more than 120 dolls of different sizes have been used for a representation (replica) of ‘Srinivasa Kalyana.’

Stating that the dolls were made by himself using Paper, Putty powder, Corn Flour, etc., Karpur claimed that he had first planned to make  Ganapathi and Parvathi dolls to give it as a gift for his daughter’s wedding. But inspired by Saint Vadiraja’s song on Srinivasa Kalyana, he decided to create a replica of the Kalyana. After making the dolls in a span of over a year, he finally made the settings for display of dolls with Tirupati-Tirumala Hills in the background. Maintaining that his hobbies included painting, drawing, photography etc., Karpur said that of late, he has added making colourful and scintillating dolls to his set of hobbies.

Contending that the Doll Shows at homes during Dasara festivities are a mere public show as the viewers are unable to understand what every doll on display wants to tell, he wondered what purpose would they serve, if the viewer does not understand what each doll wants to communicate or send a message.

Arguing that Doll Shows will be more meaningful if they succeed in sending out the desired message, he said that a proper understanding of the theme of shows would be beneficial to the public, especially the  children, who are more attracted to such shows. He also  stressed on the need for organising Doll Shows based on moral stories from Ramayana, Mahabharata, Panchatantra etc.

“Hundreds of people are visiting my home everyday to have a glimpse of my ‘Srinivasa Kalyana.’ Doll Show that was opened marking the inauguration of Dasara (Oct. 7) festivities and would continue till Deepavali (Nov. 5),” Karpur said adding that he will let his Kalakshetra for free for deserving cultural and art shows. He can be contacted on Mob: 98867-64542.