---
title: "Rajasthani Puppet Shows for Events - Hire Kathputli Artists - mytribe"
description: "Looking for a unique folk art performance? Hire Aakaar Puppet Theatre for authentic Rajasthani Puppet Shows (Kathputli). Our award-winning traditional string puppet artists create unforgettable experiences for schools, corporate events, and festivals. Book now!"
canonical: https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet/rajasthani-puppet-shows-kathputli
last_updated: 2025-09-22
---

# Rajasthani Puppet Shows (Kathputli) in Delhi Ncr

By [Aakaar Puppet Theatre](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet) · We perform live Rajasthani Kathputli puppet shows with handcrafted puppets, real stories, and music for schools, festivals, and events.

## Locations

Performs puppet shows across India

### Travels to

- Travels across Delhi NCR for shows (National Capital Region, National Capital Region)
- Travels across India for shows (India, India)

## Pricing guide (estimates)

These are indicative prices based on provider's past work. Enquire now to find out final quote.

### Classic Kathputli Duo with Live Dholak

Acoustic 60-minute performance by a master puppeteer and narrator featuring 5-7 classic skits like The Snake Charmer and Anarkali.

Typically ₹12-16K Per Show (60 Mins) (estimate)

#### 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

A 90-minute heritage showcase featuring 4-5 artists, a live Harmonium ensemble, and rare giant puppets for large-scale storytelling.

Typically ₹35-45K Per Show (90 Mins) (estimate)

#### 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.

## Highlights

Browse through Aakaar Puppet Theatre's best work.

### [Featured](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet/rajasthani-puppet-shows-kathputli/featured)

- ![It all begins here, with our hands and the strings. This is the connection that gives life to the wood and cloth, turning a puppet into a character with a soul. This is the heart of traditional Rajasthani string puppetry.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/af31783a-950d-473f-b808-411a59e6fe60)
- ![A moment of pure energy on stage. Here, I am performing with a dancing puppet, lost in the story and the music. We bring this passion to every show, making the kathputli dance, fight, and fly.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a43a57e1-f195-4b8a-986e-3cc5d2dcbe4c)
- ![Our full troupe with our giant puppets after a festival performance. We can create a grand spectacle for large events, filling the stage with colour, music, and characters of all sizes, from small dancers to towering kings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/89c8bfb1-c4a7-477f-b40f-1cf44d05d062)
- ![This was the poster for our performance at the International Puppet Festival in Barcelona, Spain. Taking our Rajasthani folk art to the world is a great honour. It shows that stories told with heart have no language barrier.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/14195c77-b2d2-46d3-840d-7003fc34b83e)
- ![A workshop with children from the French school in Bangladesh. It is a special feeling to see their curious faces as they watch the puppets. We don't just perform, we share our tradition so the next generation can love it too.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/5bc4c7d8-a291-47ac-a5a7-7b887a4cd388)
- [Video: This is how a puppet is born. A student learns to carve the wood, the first step in a long process. We teach this craft to people from all over the world, passing on the skills of puppet making that have been in our family for generations.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/74648303-8ab2-4d49-8996-4a4979131758)
- ![An event poster from a show we did for students, presented by SPIC MACAY. It mentions my Sangeet Natak Academy Award, an honour that I hold with great humility. It is a recognition of our lifelong dedication to this art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/60da8e88-e1a9-481f-bdb1-b5913f7b7c4b)

### [Major Performances: Festivals & Cultural Centres](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet/rajasthani-puppet-shows-kathputli/major-performances-festivals-cultural-centres)

- [Video: The excitement of seeing our show advertised on the big screen at Jio World for the NMACC Bachpan festival. It was a proud moment for our Aakaar Puppet Theatre.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/67673f87-5c85-4d9b-9ce2-9a3a8e14a78b)
- [Video: A glimpse of our 'Dhola Maru' performance at The Cube in NMACC. This classic Rajasthani romance is one of our most requested stories, full of drama and beautiful music.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/6af4c804-386d-4ba1-9b4c-39a73e32951a)
- ![Our team taking a moment to rest in the beautiful theatre at NMACC after setting up the lights and sound. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to make the show perfect.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a154f65b-b9b4-4242-ab76-3e5e7ac83830)
- ![The official poster for our show 'Yamuna Gatha' at the 4th Nadi Utsav, organized by IGNCA. We created this special performance to honour the story of our rivers.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9964064d-90b6-4f5d-9bb2-24c2b6514ea9)
- [Video: Arriving at IGNCA for the Nadi Utsav and being honoured on stage. It is always a privilege to be part of events that celebrate Indian culture and heritage.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7cd8849f-1b7f-4172-862b-df76cf504b27)
- [Video: A short video of our performance at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA). You can see me on stage with a puppet, and the wonderful audience that came to watch.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cbe012cd-cb5c-4cc6-99d4-9797ef713c13)
- ![A giant puppet standing tall on the stage at the Anjas Mahotsav in Jodhpur. These large puppets are perfect for outdoor festivals and create a very big impact.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e2c72a61-df74-4bc3-a16b-31b1463c9262)
- ![The stage is set and the seats are ready for the audience at the Anjas Mahotsav. We love the energy of a big festival crowd.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f2c85c0d-6ef4-4b14-920d-57e5cf48e88c)
- [Video: A very special collaboration where our puppets performed on stage with the famous music duo Vishal and Shekhar in Mumbai. It shows how traditional kathputli can be part of modern entertainment.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4055322d-1bd8-4fb7-aa9a-f54e76cd79de)
- ![A photo of our entire team with the large parade puppets used in a festival. This shows the scale of our productions for big, open-air events.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c457f7ac-7fe3-4245-b2f6-a615fdc05a46)
- [Video: This video shows us being felicitated on stage during the Nadi Utsav at IGNCA. We are grateful for the recognition of our work in preserving folk traditions.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/71d91d19-307a-422a-9ac1-244a021e31a1)
- ![The detailed programme schedule for the Nadi Utsav, showing our performance slots. We often perform multiple shows over several days at large festivals.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/491c4338-dd11-4c84-9824-b41daad4d888)
- [Video: Another view of the giant digital poster at Jio World for our NMACC performance. Seeing our folk art advertised this way in a modern city was wonderful.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/dd995385-ed2f-44ce-9858-cc7de7324e16)
- [Video: More scenes from our 'Dhola Maru' show at NMACC. As I say in the video, it is heartening when audiences of all ages, from children to elders, appreciate our art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/ed975014-ff4f-4344-bde6-1d4328545e45)
- [Video: Another clip of our puppets sharing the stage with Vishal and Shekhar. Our colourful puppets added a unique visual element to their live concert.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9ece46cf-0385-4176-ad1d-1a3417f84004)
- ![The audience watching our performance at a cultural mahotsav. Seeing so many people engaged in the story is the greatest reward for an artist.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1c16dbf6-0c64-4c36-923b-954edce38657)
- ![The brochure for the 'Anjas Mahotsav', a celebration of Rajasthani culture where we were invited to perform.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c87e4907-ec77-426e-9cf2-4ec2edfa4fbd)

### [Sharing Our Art with Students](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet/rajasthani-puppet-shows-kathputli/sharing-our-art-with-students)

- [Video: Performing for a packed auditorium of students at St. Xavier's High School. Their energy and laughter prove that this art is not dying; it is loved by the new generation.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2ebb1206-bc43-4164-896f-b8e23c02f851)
- [Video: We received a warm welcome from the students at Uttam School for Girls. This video shows our arrival and the setup for our puppet demonstration and show.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/14ec37f1-553b-421a-a0ae-71715426c8bd)
- [Video: A quick tour of the auditorium at IIT Delhi before our performance. It is an honour to bring our traditional art to the students of such a prestigious institution.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f260eb80-a224-4461-87d6-5385f40500af)
- [Video: A performance in front of an auditorium full of school students. We often mix entertainment with education, showing them how the puppets work and telling them stories from our culture.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4e470d21-5774-40ec-853f-12bf1f3bb270)
- [Video: More moments from our visit to Uttam School for Girls, where we conducted a puppet show and demonstration for the students.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/785f0231-dd13-4566-9ce0-8e88e517911c)

### [Taking Kathputli to the World](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet/rajasthani-puppet-shows-kathputli/taking-kathputli-to-the-world)

- ![A poster from the La Puntual theatre in Barcelona, announcing our performance at the International Puppet Festival. It was a special occasion for us.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/424eeb29-7114-44cc-80a7-845b0f57e152)
- ![A feature on our work in a Spanish newspaper. It talks about our traditional puppetry and our participation in a cultural exchange with Spanish puppeteers.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7148e732-94c5-458d-8adb-5793f03fb58f)
- ![The brochure for the 'Bonecos de Todo Mundo' puppet festival in Brazil, where we performed the story of Amar Singh Rathore.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c372e51a-8ee2-48e6-b772-2d0ed6b53623)
- ![Performing at the La Puntual theatre in Barcelona, Spain. The dark background of the theatre makes the colours of the puppets stand out beautifully.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7dc8003a-b341-418c-9db0-cd8839e5d5db)
- ![A close-up of a female puppet, captured during our performance in Spain. Each puppet's face is hand-painted to give it a unique expression and character.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7fa1208c-3454-43a8-aba5-0c885b1b3bc7)
- ![A romantic scene from a puppet show, showing a king and queen. These moments are created with delicate movements of the strings.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/74a1fa5b-9a5d-4d9f-8b5b-90fa5d00d85a)
- ![This is a unique character puppet, a strongman or a wrestler, showing the variety of puppets we use to tell different kinds of stories.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a3af8c2a-b855-4f05-96ed-fb58ab81530b)
- ![A self-portrait taken backstage in Barcelona, surrounded by our beloved puppets. They are like our family, especially when we travel.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/1d359418-918a-4014-b48a-96fbb13dbd5a)
- ![Sitting outside the La Puntual theatre in Barcelona before a show. We travel far and wide to find new audiences for our Kathputli art.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e03a6758-939c-40b9-a957-b909bd122d11)
- ![The schedule from the festival in Brazil, listing our show 'Amar Singh Rathore'. This historical tale is a classic of Rajasthani puppetry.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d5fb38f2-5804-449b-8687-2962e5728d63)
- ![The beautiful building that houses the La Puntual puppet theatre in Barcelona. It is a place dedicated to the art of puppetry.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8c35f0f6-7426-4cbc-a533-11bad82ad662)
- ![Another look at the newspaper article from Spain covering our cultural exchange program. It is important to connect with artists from other traditions.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/46d4b553-4265-495f-bcf9-20db167f2c64)
- ![A vibrant poster for our show 'Amar Singh Rator' at the festival in Barcelona. The image shows a classic dancing puppet in a dynamic pose.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/03af3894-cbe1-4166-a88e-144e422af9d9)

### [The Making of a Puppet](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet/rajasthani-puppet-shows-kathputli/the-making-of-a-puppet)

- [Video: This video celebrates World Puppet Day by showing the entire process. You can see students carving, painting, and me testing the finished puppet. This is how we keep the art alive.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/906d651a-455a-42fb-a6c7-b746f5594b78)

### [Our Voice for the Art](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet/rajasthani-puppet-shows-kathputli/our-voice-for-the-art)

- [Video: Here I am speaking at a conference with the ICCR. I am saying what I always believe: art never dies, people do. We must not call any art form 'dying', because it lives in the hearts of the people who watch it.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/0a372157-6db9-4e40-bceb-01229604e6c7)

## Meet your expert

[Aakaar Puppet Theatre](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet)

### 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.

## More services from Aakaar Puppet Theatre

- [Puppetry Workshops & Training](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet/puppetry-workshops-training) · ₹800-2,500 per participant per day (estimate)
- [Custom Puppet Design & Fabrication](https://mytribe.in/aakaar_puppet/custom-puppet-design-fabrication) · ₹500-30K per puppet (estimate)

## Book

To book Aakaar Puppet Theatre, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%2C%20I'm%20looking%20for%20Rajasthani%20Puppet%20Shows%20(Kathputli)%20by%20Aakaar%20Puppet%20Theatre.)