Kathputli Dance means the dances of puppets. The puppets in Rajasthan are one of the popular sources of entertainment in the state.  It is an ancient and popular form of folk entertainment in Rajasthan and considered as the most expressive of all theatrical forms.

Performance— these Puppet dances are based on popular legends and are performed by skilled puppeteers. Displaying his skill in making the puppets’ act and dance, the puppeteer is accompanied by a woman, usually his wife, who plays the dholak, or drum and sings the ballad.

Kathputli Dance Troup

What is Kathputli Dance?

Kathputli Dance is a traditional Indian puppet dance form where wooden puppets are skillfully controlled with strings to present folk tales, royal stories, and moral messages through music and expressive movements.

Kathputli Dance is from which state?

Kathputli Dance belongs to Rajasthan, India. It is one of the oldest folk art traditions of the state and reflects Rajasthan’s rich cultural and storytelling heritage.

What does the word Kathputli mean?

The term Kathputli comes from the Rajasthani words Kath (wood) and Putli (doll), meaning wooden puppets used for storytelling performances.

How is Kathputli Dance performed?

The dance is performed using brightly dressed wooden puppets tied with strings. Puppeteers operate them from behind a screen while narrating stories with live folk music and rhythmic beats.

What stories are shown in Kathputli Dance?

Kathputli performances usually showcase tales of Rajput kings, local legends, romance, bravery, and social values, making the dance both entertaining and meaningful.

What kind of music is used in Kathputli Dance?

Traditional Rajasthani folk music is used, featuring instruments like dholak, sarangi, and khartal, accompanied by expressive vocals.

Where is Kathputli Dance performed today?

Kathputli Dance is performed at cultural festivals, heritage events, weddings, corporate programs, tourism shows, and folk art exhibitions across India and abroad.

What makes Kathputli Dance unique?

Its lifelike puppet movements, vibrant costumes, dramatic expressions, and seamless coordination between puppeteers and musicians make Kathputli Dance truly unique.

Are Kathputli Dance artists trained professionals?

Yes, most Kathputli artists come from traditional puppeteer families in Rajasthan, where the art is passed down through generations with years of hands-on practice.

Why is Kathputli Dance important to Indian culture?

Kathputli Dance preserves India’s oral storytelling tradition and represents the history, values, and artistic spirit of Rajasthan, making it an important cultural heritage.