Raghunandan Teaches You Kathputli Control

Master the ancient art of kathputli (string puppet) performance. Whether you're a theater professional, educator, or enthusiast, we offer hands-on training in traditional Rajasthani puppetry techniques taught by master craftsman Raghunandan Bhattacharya.

Puppetry training session at WoodenTales workshop with students learning kathputli string control techniques from master craftsman Raghunandan Bhattacharya in Udaipur Rajasthan

Understanding the String Control Bar System

Marionettes use a control bar (also called airplane control or cross control) attached to strings connected to different body parts. Understanding the control system is essential for creating natural movements.

Understanding the Control Bar

The control bar is a wooden cross-shaped frame. The main bar runs horizontally and controls the head and back. A smaller perpendicular bar controls the hands. Additional strings from the bar connect to knees for walking movements.

Main bar (horizontal): Head and spine control

Cross bar (perpendicular): Left and right hand movements

Leg strings: Attached separately for walking

Basic Movements

Start by holding the control bar at chest height with one hand on the main horizontal bar. Your puppet should hang naturally with feet barely touching the ground.

Walking: Tilt the control bar slightly left-right while gently pulling alternate leg strings

Bowing: Tilt the front of the main bar downward

Hand gestures: Tilt the cross bar to raise either hand

Practice Tips

Mastering marionette control takes practice. Most beginners need 4-6 hours of practice to achieve smooth walking. Professional puppeteers train for months to perform complex routines.

Tip 1: Practice walking in a straight line before attempting turns

Tip 2: Keep movements small and slow at first

Tip 3: Practice 15-20 minutes daily for best results

Tip 4: Watch traditional kathputli performances for inspiration

Advanced Techniques

Once you master basic walking and gestures, you can learn more complex movements like dancing, fighting sequences, object manipulation, and multiple puppet control.

Dancing: Rhythmic tilting combined with leg movements

Picking up objects: Hand positioning and timing coordination

Two puppets: One control in each hand requires years of practice

Every WoodenTales marionette includes a printed instruction guide with photos demonstrating basic movements. We also offer free email support - send us videos of your practice and we'll provide feedback and tips.

Training Sessions at Our Fateh Sagar Workshop

We conduct puppetry training workshops at our Udaipur workshop throughout the year. Classes are taught by Raghunandan Bhattacharya and senior artisans in both English and Hindi. All materials and practice puppets are provided.

One-Day Beginner Workshop

6 hours

Introduction to marionette control for complete beginners. Learn basic movements, understand the control bar system, and practice walking and simple gestures. Suitable for theater students, teachers, and hobbyists.

Schedule

9:00 AM - History of kathputli in Rajasthan
10:00 AM - Control bar mechanics demonstration
11:00 AM - Hands-on practice with training puppets
1:00 PM - Lunch break (included)
2:00 PM - Walking and turning techniques
3:30 PM - Performance practice and feedback

Price: ₹5,000 per participant

Group Size: Maximum 6 participants

Includes: Practice puppet, lunch, certificate, instruction manual

Language: English or Hindi

Reserve Spot in Beginner Workshop

Three-Day Intensive Training

3 days

Comprehensive training covering control techniques, performance skills, character development, and stage presentation. Designed for theater professionals and serious puppetry students. Graduates receive professional certification.

Curriculum

Day 1 - Fundamentals

Control bar mechanics, string theory, basic movements (walking, turning, sitting), hand coordination exercises, puppet maintenance basics

Day 2 - Advanced Techniques

Complex movements (dancing, fighting, object handling), character personality through movement, synchronization with dialogue, multiple puppet coordination

Day 3 - Performance

Stage setup and lighting for puppets, voice work and dialogue, creating short performances, final presentation with feedback

Price: ₹18,000 per participant

Group Size: Maximum 8 participants

Includes: Practice puppet (keep it), all meals, accommodation options list, professional certificate

Schedule: Monthly sessions (check calendar below)

Enroll in Three-Day Intensive

Group Workshop (Schools/Organizations)

4 hours

Customized puppetry introduction for schools, cultural centers, or corporate team-building events. We can conduct sessions at your location in Rajasthan or at our workshop. Interactive format with demonstrations and hands-on practice.

✓

Tailored to group age and skill level

✓

Brief history of Rajasthani puppet traditions

✓

Demonstration of puppet-making process

✓

Supervised practice with our training puppets

✓

Q&A session with master artisan

Price: ₹12,000 per session (up to 25 students)

Additional Students: ₹400 per person above 25

Travel (outside Udaipur): Transport costs additional

Booking: Minimum 2 weeks advance notice

Schedule Workshop for Your School

Three-Day Intensive Training Schedule

Three-day intensive training sessions are scheduled monthly. Book early as spaces fill quickly. One-day workshops can be scheduled on any Saturday with 1 week advance notice.

Three-Day Intensive

Friday to Sunday session. 4 spots remaining.

Available

Three-Day Intensive

Friday to Sunday session. 6 spots remaining.

Available

Three-Day Intensive

Friday to Sunday session. Early registration.

Available

Three-Day Intensive

Friday to Sunday session.

Fully Booked

Accommodation Recommendations

We provide a list of nearby budget hotels and guesthouses in Udaipur (₹800-2,500 per night). Our workshop is located near Fateh Sagar Lake with several accommodation options within 1-2km walking distance.

Free Instruction Manuals and Video Guides

Video Tutorials

We're developing a series of free online video tutorials covering basic marionette control. Videos will be available in English and Hindi with demonstrations using WoodenTales puppets.

Coming March 2026

Detailed twelve-page printed instruction manual with photos and diagrams showing marionette control bar mechanics basic movements included with every WoodenTales puppet purchase

Instruction Manuals

Every puppet includes a detailed 12-page printed manual with photos and diagrams. Digital PDF versions available in English, Hindi, and German on request at no additional charge.

Available Now

Email Support

Send practice videos or questions to our team. We respond within 48 hours with personalized tips and troubleshooting advice. Free for all WoodenTales puppet owners.

Available Now

Online Performance Course

Comprehensive 8-week online course covering advanced techniques, character development, scriptwriting for puppets, and stage production. Taught via video calls with recorded lessons.

Planned for 2026

What Students Say About Our Training

"The three-day workshop transformed how I approach puppet theater. Raghunandan's teaching method is patient and practical. I left confident in operating marionettes for our school productions."

Meera Patel

Drama Teacher, Delhi Public School, Udaipur

"I attended the one-day beginner workshop as a complete novice. By afternoon, I could make my puppet walk smoothly. The instruction manual they provided helped me continue practicing at home."

Amit Choudhury

Theater Hobbyist, Jaipur

"We brought 20 students from our university drama department. Raghunandan and his team adapted the group workshop perfectly for our needs. Students gained valuable insights into traditional Indian performing arts."

Dr. Kavita Sharma

Associate Professor, Mohanlal Sukhadia University