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In the cultural heartland of West Bengal, an ancient art form continues to enchant and educate — Putul Naach . Literally meaning "puppet dance" ( putul meaning puppet or doll, and naach meaning dance), this folk tradition brings to life stories, legends, and everyday life through handcrafted puppets. These puppets don’t just move; they speak, sing, and express a range of emotions, capturing the very soul of Bengal’s rural creativity. 🎭 A Rich Variety of Puppet Styles Putul Naach is not just one single style. It includes a variety of traditional puppet forms , each with its own identity and cultural history. The major forms of puppetry in West Bengal include: Glove Puppetry (known locally as Bene or Beni Putul):   In this form, the puppets are worn like gloves. The puppeteer inserts their hand inside the puppet and controls its movements using their fingers. This allows for expressive and detailed hand gestures during the performance. Rod Puppetry ...

🎭A Wooden Doll Full of Stories India has a rich tradition of puppetry, and each region has its own unique style. Among them, the most famous is Kathputli —the traditional string puppets of Rajasthan. The word Kathputli comes from two Rajasthani words: kath meaning wood, and putli meaning doll. So, Kathputli simply means "wooden doll." These beautifully handcrafted puppets are used to perform folk tales, legends, and songs that reflect Rajasthan’s vibrant culture. Skilled puppeteers bring these dolls to life with colorful costumes, expressive movements, and captivating storytelling. So popular is this tradition that the word Kathputli instantly brings to mind the colorful heritage and folklore of Rajasthan.