--- title: "Custom Puppet Design from Award-Winning Traditional Puppeteers - mytribe" description: "Need custom puppet design? Bring your vision to life with handcrafted puppets from Sangeet Natak Academy winner Puran Bhat. From giant puppet creation for events to bespoke characters for theatre, we offer expert puppet fabrication. Hire us today!" canonical: https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet/custom-puppet-design-fabrication last_updated: 2025-09-22 --- # Custom Puppet Design & Fabrication in Delhi Ncr By [Aakaar Puppet Theatre](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet) · 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. ## Locations Ships custom puppets across India ### Ships / delivers to - Delivers across Delhi NCR (National Capital Region, National Capital Region) - Ships across India (India, India) ## Pricing guide (estimates) These are indicative prices based on provider's past work. Enquire now to find out final quote. ### Custom Traditional Rajasthani String Puppet Hand-carved 1.5-2.5 ft wooden puppets in custom Rajasthani attire, sculpted to resemble specific people or characters. Typically ₹3,500-6,500 Per Puppet (estimate) #### 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 Performance-grade foam or papier-mache props available as moving-mouth hand puppets, rod puppets, or wearable mascot heads. Typically ₹12-22K Per Character (estimate) #### 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 8ft-12ft tall lightweight foam and fabric structures designed for outdoor processions or stage backdrops. Typically ₹35-55K Per Puppet (estimate) #### 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). ## Highlights Browse through Aakaar Puppet Theatre's best work. ### [Featured](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet/custom-puppet-design-fabrication/featured) - ![This is Anarkali, a traditional Rajasthani string puppet, captured during a performance. Her face is hand-painted on wood, and her costume is stitched with great care to allow for graceful dance movements, bringing the character to life under the stage lights.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7fa1208c-3454-43a8-aba5-0c885b1b3bc7) - ![Here you can see some of our giant parade puppets on stage with our full troupe. We create these large-than-life characters, like the sun puppet and the Rajasthani man, from lightweight foam so they are easy to carry during festivals and events.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/89c8bfb1-c4a7-477f-b40f-1cf44d05d062) - [Video: This video shows the very first step of making a giant mask puppet for a dance company. I am carving the main shape from a large block of foam, working from a concept sketch to create a custom, large-scale character piece.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9f0907eb-b994-4705-b65c-4c00d8e65017) - ![Teaching is a very important part of my work. Here, I am guiding a student during a wood carving workshop, showing her how to shape the puppet's head using traditional tools and techniques passed down through generations.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/287615c5-02cd-47c2-9fbe-e9d9a086c11f) - ![This is a character from one of our traditional puppet plays. The dramatic expression is hand-painted to be visible from afar, and the unique stringing allows for complex movements like bowing, which is essential for storytelling.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a3af8c2a-b855-4f05-96ed-fb58ab81530b) - [Video: People sometimes say our art is dying, but I believe art never dies. In this video from a conference with the ICCR, I am sharing my belief that this tradition will live on for generations to see and enjoy.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0a372157-6db9-4e40-bceb-01229604e6c7) - ![This is me in my element, surrounded by the characters I have given life to. Each puppet, big or small, is a part of my family and carries a piece of our heritage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1d359418-918a-4014-b48a-96fbb13dbd5a) ### [Giant Puppets for Festivals & Events](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet/custom-puppet-design-fabrication/giant-puppets-for-festivals-events) - ![A giant puppet of a Rajasthani man stands tall on stage during the Anjas Mahotsav. These figures are designed to be focal points for large events, adding a unique and traditional touch to any modern stage setup.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e2c72a61-df74-4bc3-a16b-31b1463c9262) - [Video: This video shows the process of fabricating a giant puppet head from a block of foam. We start with a client's design and carefully carve and shape the material to create a large, durable, and lightweight final product for a dance company collaboration.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9f0907eb-b994-4705-b65c-4c00d8e65017) - [Video: Our custom-made mascot puppets are perfect for bringing energy to any celebration. This video shows one of our creations interacting with guests and dancing at a private Bollywood-themed party.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/815bafbb-4382-422e-9041-a0084e8969a7) - [Video: This video gives a wider view of the event space for the Bollywood night. Our mascot puppet was a key part of the entertainment, showing how these characters can integrate into different event themes and lighting setups.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/12fe497c-1019-4998-a316-24572a7805f8) - ![A proud moment for our entire team, posing on stage with our giant festival puppets. This shows the scale of our work, from the tall sun and star characters to the large traditional figures, all created for a grand public performance.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c457f7ac-7fe3-4245-b2f6-a615fdc05a46) ### [Traditional String Puppets (Kathputli)](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet/custom-puppet-design-fabrication/traditional-string-puppets-kathputli) - ![A close-up of a female dancer puppet, a classic character in Kathputli performances. The details in her sequined dress and the delicate painting of her face are all done by hand to capture the traditional Rajasthani style.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7fa1208c-3454-43a8-aba5-0c885b1b3bc7) - ![This puppet character, with his intense expression and unique form, is designed for a specific role in a traditional play. The strings are attached to key points to allow the puppeteer to create a range of expressive movements, from crawling to fighting.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a3af8c2a-b855-4f05-96ed-fb58ab81530b) - ![This is a poster from when we took our traditional art to Spain. It was an honor to perform our show 'Amar Singh Rathor' at the 17th International Puppet Festival in Barcelona, showing that our stories have a place on the world stage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/14195c77-b2d2-46d3-840d-7003fc34b83e) ### [Puppet Making Workshops](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet/custom-puppet-design-fabrication/puppet-making-workshops) - ![A student learns the first and most crucial step: wood carving. I teach the proper way to hold the tools and slowly shape a block of wood into a puppet head, a skill that is the foundation of our craft.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/287615c5-02cd-47c2-9fbe-e9d9a086c11f) - [Video: This video shows students deeply focused during a wood carving session. Everyone works at their own pace, feeling the wood and bringing their own character to life from a simple block.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/823e7527-d5da-4c15-a7dc-481368462872) - [Video: Here, we are working with papier-mâché, an alternative to wood. This video shows the 'paper messy' stage of the workshop, where we build up layers to create a strong and lightweight puppet head.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/22ebacf2-73d8-4e26-981c-6fb2687b44ce) - ![This is a puppet head after the papier-mâché has been applied and dried, ready for the next stage. You can see the basic facial features have been formed, creating a blank canvas for painting.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9e49383f-bd8a-4ec0-8ec3-aa2d223a9609) - ![A close-up of a finished papier-mâché head. The texture is rough and full of character before any paint is even applied. This method allows for a lot of creativity in the final look.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d2ed7348-bddf-44d7-9ce8-d1aa28cecf1b) - [Video: Day 9 of our workshop is for painting. A student carefully adds color and detail to the puppet's face, which is the moment the character truly starts to show its personality. We also begin making the small clothes.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2faf683e-065b-4ff2-9e70-56cdd4ccebe6) - [Video: The final step is giving the puppet life with new strings. In this video, we are attaching the strings and I am performing a small blessing, a tradition we call 'Nayi Zindagi, Nayi Dor' which means 'New Life, New String'.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/91b1a204-2fc1-446a-a7e4-659a9c508961) - [Video: This video shows different moments from our carving and papier-mâché workshop with students from Germany. It shows the focus and dedication required as they learn to work with their hands to create art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/3446cdbc-51be-44a4-af83-e680da7f74c3) - [Video: This video montage shows the entire journey of a workshop, from students carving and painting to me blessing the finished puppet. It ends with a happy group photo, celebrating the new puppets they have created together.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/74648303-8ab2-4d49-8996-4a4979131758) - [Video: A video celebrating World Puppet Day, showing the joy of making and sharing this art form. You can see students learning, me performing with a finished puppet, and the community that this craft builds.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/906d651a-455a-42fb-a6c7-b746f5594b78) ### [Our Mission & Journey](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet/custom-puppet-design-fabrication/our-mission-journey) - [Video: I believe it is important to speak for our craft. This is a clip of me at a conference, explaining that art is immortal and we must not call it a 'dying art'. It is a message from my heart to keep all traditions respected and alive.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0a372157-6db9-4e40-bceb-01229604e6c7) - ![A quiet moment with my creations after a show in Barcelona, Spain. Traveling the world for puppet festivals allows me to share our Indian culture and also learn from other artists, keeping our tradition connected and growing.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1d359418-918a-4014-b48a-96fbb13dbd5a) - ![This poster for our performance in Barcelona is a reminder of our journey. We were invited to perform, and it shows that the art of Kathputli is loved and appreciated by people everywhere.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/03af3894-cbe1-4166-a88e-144e422af9d9) ## Meet your expert [Aakaar Puppet Theatre](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet) ### 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. ## More services from Aakaar Puppet Theatre - [Puppetry Workshops & Training](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet/puppetry-workshops-training) · ₹800-2,500 per participant per day (estimate) - [Rajasthani Puppet Shows (Kathputli)](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet/rajasthani-puppet-shows-kathputli) · ₹15-50K per show (estimate) ## Book To book Aakaar Puppet Theatre, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I'm%20looking%20for%20Custom%20Puppet%20Design%20%26%20Fabrication%20by%20Aakaar%20Puppet%20Theatre.)