Puppetry Workshops & Training
Available across New Delhi
We teach you to make and perform with your own Kathputli puppet from raw materials, sharing every step and tradition, with all tools and stories included.
Pricing Guide
1-Day Puppet Making Workshop
Core Module
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours (Single Day).
- Mentorship: Guidance by traditional puppeteers and academy awardees.
- Output: Crafting of one basic string puppet (Kathputli).
Materials & Fabrication
- Base: Pre-shaped wooden head structure (semi-finished).
- Body: Cotton stuffing and old cloth filling.
- Costuming: Vintage Rajasthani fabric scraps, brocades, and gota patti work.
- Detailing: Acrylic paints, brushes, basic strings, and bamboo control stick.
Logistics
- Seating: Traditional floor arrangements on mats/durries.
- Refreshments: Basic tea and biscuits provided.
- Takeaway: Participants keep the puppet they created.
7-Day Intensive Kathputli Masterclass
Curriculum & Skills
- Duration: 7 to 10 Days (approx. 3 hours per day).
- Wood Carving: Sculpting a head from a raw block of Mango or Tun wood using chisels.
- Modeling: Traditional 'Paper Messy' technique using newspaper and fenugreek paste for facial features.
- Costuming: Cutting and sewing the Ghagra (skirt) and Kurta using sequins and laces.
- Technical: Attaching strings to the wooden control (Bol) for precise balance.
Cultural Training
- Rituals: Participation in the 'Prana Pratishtha' (Life Giving) ceremony and Bhawani Mata Pooja.
- Manipulation: Lessons on making the puppet walk, salute, and dance.
Logistics
- Supplies: All raw materials (logs, tools, paints, fabrics) included.
- Venue: Rustic, open-air community space or partner art center (non-AC).
- Outcome: A professional-grade, self-made traditional marionette.
About Puppetry Workshops & Training
Art That Stays With You
Art kabhi nahi marta, insaan chala jaata hai. I’ve heard people say puppetry is a 'dying art', but honestly, it’s our parampara and I’m here to keep it alive, just like my dada-pardada (ancestors) did. I want everyone to feel the magic of Kathputli, not just talk about it.
What Happens in My Workshop
This isn't just a Kathputli puppet making workshop. We start with raw wood and, step by step, make our own puppets. Wood carving, papier-mâché (haan, 'paper messy' bol lo!), painting faces, dressing them up, fixing the strings - you do it all. We even do a little pooja for the puppet, the way my family always has.
Once your puppet is ready, I’ll show you how to make it dance. You’ll try out real puppet manipulation techniques - learning to move, gesture, and even make the puppet 'talk'. I believe in learning by doing, not just watching.
Who Joins Us?
Anyone! Bachche, school groups, foreigners, grown-ups who want to try something new. No one needs experience, just a little patience and a big heart.
What You Walk Away With
- A puppet you made yourself (honestly, this feels special)
- Real hands-on knowledge of traditional string puppetry classes
- Tips and stories from someone who’s been at this since childhood
- All materials and tools included, no stress about getting stuff
- A bit of our culture to keep with you
Chalo, milke apni kala ko zinda rakhte hain (Come, let’s keep our art alive together).
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.
