RAINBOWBLOGS

In West Bengal, folk puppetry is known as Putul Naach , where Putul refers to both dolls and puppets in Bengali, and Naach means dance. The traditional forms of puppetry in West Bengal include: Glove Puppetry (known locally as Bene or Beni Putul ): Puppets are worn on the hand, allowing the puppeteer to control them with their fingers. Rod Puppetry (referred to as Dang Putul ): Puppets are manipulated using rods for movement. String Puppetry (called Taar or Shutor Putul ): Puppets are controlled by strings, a style influenced by Rajasthan. While rod and glove puppets are indigenous to West Bengal, string puppetry was introduced from Rajasthan.

A set of Rajasthani Kathputli Puppets from different parts of India each have their own distinct identity. Rajasthani string puppets are known as Kathputli. Kathputli is a traditional folk art form that involves puppet performances based on popular legends and is carried out by skilled puppeteers. The popularity of this puppet tradition in Rajasthan is so strong that the name Kathputli evokes images of Rajasthan and its rich folklore. The term Kathputli is derived from two Rajasthani words: 'kath,' meaning wood, and 'putli,' meaning a doll. Thus, Kathputli refers to a wooden doll.