Jaipur's most popular form of folk entertainment is the
puppets. Near Hawal Mahal, you can see many puppets, who are fairly
simple creations. No village fair, no religious festival and no
social gathering in Jaipur can be complete without Puppets. Now, it
has become a fairs at cities and it was also a part of life in
Jaipur both entertaining & learning experience. This is also
known as kathputlis, where kath is wood and putli is doll.
Mostly, the puppets are made in pieces like the face, body, arms
and legs, which are carved out of wood as separate wooden blocks.
Fixed them loosely, so that sufficient movement can be given to each
part. Strings are tied on every piece, which is then pull of a
string gives the part some movement. The strings are looped into the
puppeteer's hands and fingers. The puppet lie inert on the stage
until they come to life when the strings are pulled. The series and
synchronized pull of strings, make the puppet dance and express.
These puppets dresses made from old printed fabrics and hands are
made simply by stuffing rags or cotton into the sleeve of the
dresses. The kathputlis, sparkling eyes and brightly colored
dresses, gives unforgettable experience.
Now, puppet show has come a long way from the time it was performed
only in royal courts. The pair of Moomal-Mahendra, Dhola-Maru and
other legendary are still popular with the general and local folk in
Jaipur. The songs are accompanied with the musical instruments of
Rajasthan, which are simple but quite unusual. It is a rather
difficult task to list all the different types of music, dance and
entertainment that can be found in Rajasthan.
Already, it is a part of folk entertainment, now puppets are also
more part of interior decoration. The full decoration of a house or
room is incomplete without puppets. They are readily available in
markets of Rajasthan and form a wonderful gift. These kathputlis are
also famous in outside country and its now become a shoppers'
delight for tourists.
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