Why Kathputli is Not a Dying Art
People sometimes call puppetry a dying art, but I believe it is eternal. Join me in a conversation about the soul of our traditions and why this craft continues to live on in our hands.
At a conference with the ICCR, I was asked about puppetry being a 'dying art'. I believe art is eternal. It lives in the hearts of people, and as long as we have storytellers, the art will live on.
This is a poster from a puppet making workshop I conducted at the Niv Art Centre. It is always a pleasure to partner with organizations that support and promote traditional arts.
About A Word from the Artist
When you hold a puppet, you are not just holding wood and cloth. You are holding a lineage. Whether it is a small workshop or a full performance, I focus on the ritual of giving life to the doll. It is not just about the strings, it is about the intention behind the movement. If you want to understand how a piece of wood begins to breathe, let us talk.
People often ask me, 'Puran ji, is Kathputli dying?' My answer is always the same. Art does not die, people stop paying attention. My mission at Aakaar Puppet Theatre is to ensure that attention remains focused on the magic of traditional string puppetry.
Kathputli is not just entertainment. It is our parampara, handed down through generations in the Katputli colony of Delhi. When we perform stories like Amar Singh Rathore, we are not just telling tales. We are keeping the Rajasthani storytelling tradition alive for the next generation.
For those who join my workshops, you learn that 'paper messy' (papier-mâché) and wood carving are just the first steps. The real challenge and joy is in the manipulation. You learn to make the puppet talk and walk using traditional bol techniques. We treat every puppet with the respect of a living entity because, in our tradition, it is.
Whether you are looking for a performance for your school, a corporate event that needs a touch of heritage, or a hands-on workshop to learn the craft from scratch, I invite you to join us. We do not just teach a skill, we pass on a piece of history that has traveled from the streets of Delhi to festivals across Spain and Brazil. If you are curious about how to preserve this craft or simply want to experience the joy of making a puppet dance, let us connect.
Looking for something specific?
Search our workshops, performances, and custom puppet designs.
More from Puppetry Workshops & Training by Aakaar Puppet Theatre
More services by Aakaar Puppet Theatre