Chhadar Badar is form of puppetry performed by the members of the Santhal tribes belonging to
Bihar and
West Bengal.
The puppets are made of wood and the height range from 5 to 8 inches. They are clothed in a simple style. Their heads are adorned with a turban or a bird-feather and their faces are painted. They are hung from a disk using strings. The puppets are manipulated using these strings.
The puppets are exhibited on a circular wooden platform containing a bamboo stand, which is fixed to the ground or held by the puppeteer. Red cloth is used to cover the stand, making the platform appear like a stage. The show consists of various dances involving a maiden and a youth. They are also shown playing drums and flutes. The performance is accompanied by songs sung by the puppeteer.
