Traditional Kathputli Workshops and Performances
People call Kathputli a dying art, but I say art never dies—it lives in our hearts. Join me to learn the magic of traditional string puppetry, from carving raw wood to bringing your own puppet to life.
It all begins with the hands. For generations, my family has learned to tell stories through these strings. This is the art of manipulation, where every small movement gives life to the puppet.
The first step is always with the wood. Here, a student learns to carve, feeling the shape of the puppet come to life. This is a hands-on traditional woodcarving lesson, where patience is the most important tool.
With a steady hand, a student carefully paints the face, giving the puppet its character and soul. This is a moment of quiet focus in my painting workshop, where every brushstroke matters.
There is no greater joy than seeing a student with the puppet they made themselves. Here, I am helping a young artist at a school workshop in Ayodhya put the final touches on her new friend.
Once the puppet is made, the real training begins. I personally guide each student, showing them the secret techniques to make their kathputli walk, gesture, and express emotion through string manipulation.
In our tradition, we believe every puppet has a spirit. We perform a small pooja, asking for blessings from Bhawani Mata before we give the puppet its final form. This is a sacred step in our puppet making process.
This is Anarkali, one of my traditional string puppets, performing on stage. See how the light catches her dress and the fine details on her face. This is the beauty you can create and bring to life.
Taking our Indian culture across the world is my biggest honor. Here I am with my family of puppets after a show at a puppet festival in Barcelona, Spain.
About Featured
In my workshop, you aren't just watching; you are doing the real work. Whether it is carving the head from raw mango wood or learning the secret string manipulation to make a puppet dance, I guide you step-by-step. You walk away with a piece of Indian tradition that you built with your own two hands.
My teaching style is based on the ‘learning by doing’ philosophy passed down from my ancestors in Delhi's Kathputli Colony. We start with simple tools and basic materials—mango wood for the head and newspaper pulp (what we call paper messy) for features—that we transform into a living character.
But the craft goes beyond just making. We perform a 'Prana Pratishtha' puja, a ritual to honor the puppet’s spirit before we add the final strings. You will learn the precise control needed to make your puppet walk, gesture, and express emotion. We host these sessions in open-air settings, keeping the spirit of our community alive. This is not just a craft course; it is an introduction to our heritage. Whether you are a curious beginner or looking for professional-grade string puppetry skills, my doors are open.
Looking for something specific?
You can search through our different puppetry workshops and performance services.
More from Puppetry Workshops & Training by Aakaar Puppet Theatre
More services by Aakaar Puppet Theatre