Rajasthani Puppet Shows (Kathputli)
Available across India
We perform live Rajasthani Kathputli puppet shows with handcrafted puppets, real stories, and music for schools, festivals, and events.
Pricing Guide
Classic Kathputli Duo with Live Dholak
Artist & Crew
- Lead Puppeteer: 1 Master Manipulator trained in the heritage Puran Bhat tradition handling intricate string movements.
- Accompanist: 1 Musician playing the Dholak (hand drum) and providing the signature whistling voice (Boli) and commentary.
- Attire: Artists perform in traditional Rajasthani Kurta Pajama and Turbans (Pagdi).
The Performance
- Duration: 45 to 60 Minutes of continuous performance.
- Repertoire: A sequence of 5-7 short skits including Anarkali (The Dancer), The Snake Charmer, Bahurupi (Gender changing puppet), and Camel stunts.
- Interaction: Includes a segment for guests to touch the puppets for photos post show.
Setup & Specs
- Stage: Includes a portable, collapsible Taj Mahal style puppet theater (Tambu).
- Dimensions: Approximately 5ft (Length) x 3ft (Depth) x 6ft (Height).
- Sound: Fully acoustic performance suitable for indoor gatherings of 30-40 people.
Grand Theatrical Production with Live Band
The Grand Troupe
- Team Size: 4-5 Artists total.
- Puppeteers: 2 Expert artists allowing for complex scenes with multiple characters on stage simultaneously.
- Musical Ensemble: Live acoustic band featuring Harmonium (melody), Dholak/Tabla (percussion), and live folk vocals (Maan/Panihari).
Production Content
- Duration: 60 to 90 Minutes (flexible).
- Narrative: Performance of full narrative epics like Amar Singh Rathore (history) or Dhola Maru (folklore).
- Giant Puppets: Features 3ft to 4ft tall puppets or Mask Puppets for dramatic entry and high visual impact.
- Skill Level: Sangeet Natak Academy level manipulation including puppets lifting weights or performing complex Kathak steps.
Stage Configuration
- Structure: Ornate proscenium setup (approx. 8-10ft wide) with professional masking for puppeteers.
- Ambience: Includes Rajasthani handicraft props around the stage area.
- Tech Note: Client is responsible for professional sound reinforcement (3-4 mics, monitors) and stage lighting.
About Rajasthani Puppet Shows (Kathputli)
Why I Do This
Art kabhi marta nahi hai, insaan mar jaata hai (Art never dies, people do). People say Rajasthani puppet shows are fading, but I see families—kids, parents, even their dada-pardada (grandparents)—all laughing together. That’s real culture, still alive.
What You’ll Experience
Here, Kathputli isn’t just a show—it’s a tradition. Every puppet is hand-carved, painted, and dressed in full Rajasthani style. The strings make them dance, fight, and act out stories with live music and narration. It’s not some factory toy—these are handcrafted string puppets Rajasthan is famous for.
Stories & Spectacle
I mix old legends and new ideas:
- Historical tales like Amar Singh Rathore
- Classic romances such as Dhola Maru
- Themed shows for festivals—like “Yamuna Gatha” for Nadi Utsav
Expect kings, queens, dancers, and giant puppets in the parade if you catch us at a festival. Sometimes we go extra big for open events—Kathputli parade performance style.
Where You’ll Find Us
We perform everywhere—from schools like IIT Delhi to cultural festivals in Spain and Brazil. You’ll see us at local mahotsavs, private parties, and places like NMACC. For students, I show how the puppets move and come alive—Rajasthani folk puppet storytelling up close.
Keeping Tradition
For me, it’s more than a job. It’s about parampara (tradition) and making sure this art goes forward. Isko aage badhava dena hai (have to promote it further), generation to generation. That’s why I do it.
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.
