Market puppet makers preserve family’s traditions

Intricately painted handmade puppets display years of family tradition and culture. | Photo by Elisabeth Loeck

Story by Ashley Burns and Elisabeth Loeck | Video by Camila Orti

In a corner stall of Dilli Haat, an arts and crafts bazaar in New Delhi, a family of puppet makers is preserving the traditions of old India.

Brightly colored ornate puppets are strewn around the stall, clothed in a variety of outfits and wearing a hand painted face. Festive gold and silver tinsel border the handmade cloth of each outfit. Each puppet is unique.

Specialty made puppets include a two-faced entertainer with four legs, as well as one that flips upside down to reveal a second character hidden under its intricately designed garb. This one is called Rajarani, which means king and queen in Hindi.

“Look watch, King,” says one of the brothers, Midu, holding up the distinctive puppet, “Now, Queen.” With a simple twist he turns the puppet over to show a queen character.

Some display traditional facial jewelry while others tote instruments that jingle as the puppet masters worked the strings.

Running the stall are three brothers, who each have a part in the family trade.

Midu, one of the brothers, relaxes inside the shop, rhythmically playing one of his drums. | Photo by Jennifer Gotrik

Two of the brothers laugh and talk over each other, explaining the three- to five-day process they go through to make their puppets – carving, sanding and painting each figure individually. Special projects such as a six-foot puppet that was operated from the inside took the family around six months to create.

However, these puppets are not just trinkets for tourists to take home and enjoy. These creations are part of India’s rich culture.

Several times a year, members of the family put on puppet shows during seasonal festivals. Another production involves performing traditional Indian dances, such as Ghoomar, a women’s folk dance from their home state of Rajasthan.