In the narrow lanes of Jaipur’s Pink City lies Kathputli Nagar, home to nearly 250 families devoted to a vibrant folk art. Here, artisans carve, paint, and dress wooden puppets called Kathputlis. This traditional craft, passed down through generations, forms a vital part of Rajasthan’s culture. Kathputli means wooden doll. These puppets wear bright costumes inspired by royal and desert styles. Their sharp faces and big expressions add drama during shows. Historically, travelling puppeteers told stories of Rajput kings, warriors, and moral lessons with Kathputlis. Today, puppet shows continue to charm audiences with music played on dholak and harmonium. Puppeteers animate these dolls with strings while narrating tales filled with humor, song, and social messages. Performances take place from homes in Kathputli Nagar to the famous Hawa Mahal complex. The craft not only showcases Rajasthan’s artistic beauty but keeps alive stories and social identity. A woman carefully paints puppet faces, a man carves wood, while others stitch colorful clothes in cramped homes. Fully finished puppets line the streets, competing for attention even against digital characters. From humble homes to busy city stages, Kathputli puppets remain a shining thread in Rajasthan’s cultural fabric, carrying their rich stories across generations.