Rajesh learned the craft of “Kathputlis” or string puppets from his father and grandfather who gave puppet performances at the palaces of Maharajas.

These puppets are made with cloth bodies and wood or papier-mâché heads painted with oil paints to represent people and gods from the mythological epics of Hinduism.

Puppet performances can be seen at festivals, weddings, or other special events when communities want either entertainment or blessings from the gods.

Pannalal learned to make Rajasthani puppets from his father.

After experimenting with new methods, he succeeded in creating a non-traditional method called “rope puppets,” which he has improved over the last 15 years.

Using fabric remnants, balsa wood, and hand-stitched rope, he creates the expressively painted puppets that are used to perform the mythological epics of Hinduism.

Puppet performances can be seen at festivals, weddings, or other special events when communities want either entertainment or blessings from the gods.

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