Puppetry holds significant value within India’s folk culture. Chadar Badar, also known as Chadar Bandhani, represents a unique and scarcely found manifestation of indigenous Santhal puppetry, serving as a distinctive emblem of Santhali heritage. This traditional art form, once widespread among Santhal communities residing in Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Assam, now teeters on the brink of extinction. Presently, only a few Chadar Badar puppeteers can be spotted sporadically across districts such as Birbhum, Bardhaman, North Dinajpur, and Bankura in West Bengal, as well as in the Dumka region of Jharkhand. During the Dasain festival, coinciding with Durga Puja, a select few from the community uphold the tradition of performing this puppet theatre form. They traverse both nearby villages and distant locales, staging shows and receiving rice, pulses, and alms as tokens of appreciation. These shows are also a fixture during Santhali festivals and joyous occasions like weddings. Notably, there are variations in the presentation of Chador Bador across different districts: Birbhum typically features a round stage, whereas Dinajpur favors a square one.

The performance is accompanied by a blend of traditional musical instruments such as the Baje Banam, Lagara, Tirenya (flute), and the Tunda or Madal. As the figures move in dance, their synchronization is so flawless that the puppets seem to move autonomously. Enhanced by the music and singing, the puppets evoke the essence of a rhythmic Santhali dance, creating a captivating illusion. This display embodies indigenous animation and simplicity, serving as a poignant effort by the community members to preserve their cultural heritage. Manipulated by the puppeteer’s deft fingers, the puppets come to life through the intricately twisted strings.