Puppetry is an ancient and popular form of folk entertainment. In Rajasthan most puppets are string puppets which is the most common type of puppet found in india. They are called kathputlisfrom kathmeaning wood and pultimeaning doll. kathputliswear brightly colored costumes which are fashioned by the puppeteers from scraps of cloth.

Traditional puppeteers are from the wandering Bhatt community who have been performing for thousands of years. They go from village to village presenting popular stories of heroes and divinities.

Colorful puppets are sold by street vendors throughout Rajasthan. They are very inexpensive and make excellent gifts. If you have the time, it might be worthwhile to search for an old puppet.

At left: A group of Indian women in Jaisalmer look over the puppets for sale.