Bengaluru: More than 2,700 handmade dolls depicting scenes from the Mahabharata, Krishna Leela and other aspects of Indian heritage were placed on display at Garuda Mall as part of a Guinness World Record attempt by 56 artisans from across the country.Organised by Indian Doll Makers Hub, a Facebook community dedicated to traditional doll-making, the three-day exhibition from Friday to Sunday showcased handcrafted dolls created using diverse materials and techniques, highlighting India’s rich artistic traditions, cultural heritage and storytelling legacy.The initiative was conceptualised by Chennai-based doll maker Suganthan in Nov 2025 with the aim of bringing together artisans from across India for a large-scale celebration of handmade doll making. Over the past several months, artisans collaborated to create intricate displays portraying characters and episodes from Indian epics.The exhibition was also an attempt to secure a Guinness World Record. Organisers said a team from Guinness World Records visited and inspected the display, and the artisans are now awaiting the final decision. The initiative has already received recognition from several record organisations, including the Wonder Book of Records International, India & Asia Book of Records, and the International Book of Records.Organisers said achieving Guinness recognition would be a landmark accomplishment for India’s handmade art community, bringing global attention to the skills and dedication of traditional artisans. Beyond the record attempt, the exhibition seeks to preserve and promote traditional doll-making practices while introducing younger generations to India’s mythology, cultural stories and artistic heritage.QUOTEThis remarkable event was the culmination of a 10-month journey that began in Nov 2025 with 75 participants. The journey was filled with numerous challenges, unexpected hurdles and moments that tested our perseverance. However, the passion for handmade doll making and our collective commitment to preserving and promoting this beautiful art form kept us moving forward.– Suganthan, convener, Indian Doll Makers Hub
