Custom Puppet Design & Fabrication
Shipped across India
We design and build custom puppets of any size or style, from traditional Rajasthani string puppets to giant parade puppets, using wood, foam, or papier-mâché based on your idea.
Pricing Guide
Custom Traditional Rajasthani String Puppet
Craftsmanship & Design
- Head Construction: Hand-carved mango or medicinal wood head (4-6 inches), sculpted to resemble a specific character, caricature, or family member.
- Painting: Traditional oil-based finish with signature large expressive eyes and stylized features.
- Costume: Custom-stitched Rajasthani attire (Dhoti/Kurta for male, Ghagra/Choli for female) using brocade, velvet, or upcycled sarees with Gota patti work.
Specs & Mechanics
- Dimensions: Total height between 1.5 feet and 2.5 feet.
- Structure: Stuffed cloth body attached to the wooden head; legs included only if character requires.
- Control: High-tensile cotton strings attached to a bamboo or wood finger-loop system (traditional whistle not included).
Theatrical Hand Puppet or Mascot Head
Fabrication Options
- Mascot Head: Wearable oversized foam head with mesh vision ports and ventilation.
- Hand/Rod Puppet: Muppet-style puppet with moving mouth or stick-operated arms.
- Theatrical Mask: Full or half-face mask made from papier-mache or light wood.
Materials & Build
- Base: Lightweight Urethane foam, Styrofoam, or papier-mache designed for stage weight requirements.
- Finish: Fleece covering for soft mascots or hand-painted high-contrast features for stage visibility.
- Costuming: Full outfit included for rod/hand puppets; neck-down cape or bib included for mascot heads (full body suit is not included).
Large-Scale Parade or Festival Puppet
Construction
- Core: High-density Styrofoam carving for head (2-3 ft diameter) and hands.
- Finish: Papier-mache layering for durability followed by acrylic or enamel weather-proofing.
- Skeleton: Lightweight Bamboo or PVC internal frame designed for backpack mounting or rod-bearing.
Body & Logistics
- Drapery: Large satin or cotton fabric body construction to allow wind movement and air-flow.
- Articulation: Manual head rotation and simple arm rods (non-animatronic).
- Height: Total visual height of 10 ft to 12 ft when operated.
- Transport: Client must arrange tempo or truck for pickup due to volume.
About Custom Puppet Design & Fabrication
Why Puppets Matter to Us
People say our art is fading, but I don't agree. Art kabhi marta nahi hai, insaan mar jaata hai (Art never dies, people do). My mission is to keep our tradition kaayam (alive) and badhava dena (give a push) to the craft. Every puppet we make carries a bit of our parampara (heritage) and heart.
What We Build
- Got a wild idea or just a doodle? I can turn it into a puppet, no matter how big or small.
- I specialise in handmade Rajasthani string puppets, with wooden heads and painted faces, dressed in bright, traditional costumes.
- Need foam giant parade puppets? I make those too - big, bold, lightweight, perfect for festivals.
- For theatre, dance, or your own story, I create custom mask puppet fabrication and character puppets that fit your vision.
- Simple cloth and sock puppets for workshops, so even beginners can get started.
The Crafting Journey
- We start with your concept and bring it to life, using wood, foam, or papier-mâché.
- Each puppet’s face is painted by hand, every costume stitched just for that character.
- The final step is assembly and stringing - Nayi Zindagi, nayi dor (New life, new string). Sometimes, I even do a blessing for new puppet heads.
Let’s Make Something Memorable
If you want puppetry that’s real, rooted, and full of soul, I’m ready to build it with you. Shukriya, dhanyavad (Thank you).
Meet your Expert
Aakaar Puppet Theatre
My Story
Namaste, we are Aakaar Puppet Theatre from the Katputli colony in Delhi. Some folks call Kathputli a 'dying art', but hum kehte hain (we say), art never dies - it lives in our hearts, from dadaji (grandfather) to bachche (kids). We've taken our string puppets everywhere - Spain, Brazil, Bangladesh, and taught kids from France, Germany too. Wherever we perform, chhote-bade sab sarahate hain (young and old all applaud). This is our tradition, our culture. Shukriya.
My Work
Puppetry for All Occasions - We perform traditional Kathputli puppet shows, host puppet making workshops, and do live demonstrations for festivals, schools, and events.
Traditional Shows - Classic tales like Amar Singh Rathore and Dhola Maru, with live Rajasthani storytelling and music. Audiences of all ages enjoy.
Workshops - We teach puppet making from scratch - wood carving, papier-mâché, clothes, and how to bring puppets to life with strings.
Big and Small Puppets - We create giant puppets, mask puppets for big shows and collaborations. Always open to new ideas and projects.
