Authentic Puppetry Performances and Custom Puppet Making
From traditional Rajasthani Kathputli to giant parade puppets, this collection captures the heart of my craft. Whether you need a performance for your event or want to learn the art of puppet making, I bring heritage to life through wood, foam, and strings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About Featured
Every puppet here starts with a concept, not a catalog. Whether you need a 1.5-foot string puppet carved from medicinal wood to resemble a specific person or a 10-foot foam giant for a festival parade, I personally oversee the carving, painting, and stringing to ensure each character has its own life.
More Than Just A Performance
People often tell me my art is dying, but I do not agree. Art kabhi marta nahi hai, insaan mar jaata hai (Art never dies, people do). This cluster represents the range of my work, from the delicate intricacy of traditional Kathputli to the bold, large-scale structures required for modern events and theatre collaborations.
Custom Fabrication
I treat every project as a new creation.
- Traditional Kathputli: Each Rajasthani string puppet is hand-carved from mango or medicinal wood, with traditional oil-based painting and costumes stitched from brocade or upcycled fabrics.
- Giant Parade Puppets: For festivals or corporate events, I craft lightweight, durable puppets (up to 12 feet) using high-density foam and bamboo structures, designed for easy operation during processions.
- Theatrical Masks & Props: I specialize in custom mask fabrication for dance companies and theatre groups, focusing on visibility and movement.
Hands-On Learning
If you want to understand the craft, I host workshops where I teach you the entire journey: from sculpting the face and understanding the wood, to the technical skill of stringing ( Nayi Zindagi, nayi dor - new life, new string). These sessions are open to everyone, whether you are a curious child or a professional artist looking to incorporate puppets into your performance.
My work is not just about the object; it is about the parampara (tradition) I carry. If you are looking for puppetry that is rooted, real, and full of soul, let us talk about your vision.
Aakaar Puppet Theatre
I am Puran Bhat, and I have dedicated my life to the strings that tell our stories. My work from Katputli Colony is a bridge between the ancient traditions of Rajasthan and your modern events. I do not just sell puppets; I share the heritage that has been in my family for generations.
Looking for something specific?
Tell me what you have in mind for your event, workshop, or performance.
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