India Celebrates Rich Puppetry with New Commemorative Stamps
The Department of Posts unveiled a series of eight commemorative postage stamps celebrating the diverse puppetry traditions of India on February 13, 2026, at the Indian Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The stamps were officially released by Ms. Vandita Kaul, Secretary of Posts, who was accompanied by esteemed guests, artists, and cultural enthusiasts.
A Tribute to Timeless Storytelling
During the unveiling ceremony, Ms. Kaul emphasized the significance of postage stamps as ‘miniature ambassadors’ of India’s heritage. She stated, “Through this special issue, we honor the timeless storytellers who have preserved our folklore, values, and collective memory across generations. These stamps are meant to inspire renewed appreciation for India’s vibrant cultural legacy and encourage future generations to cherish and sustain these living traditions.”
Puppetry: An Ancient Art Form
Puppetry in India is one of the oldest storytelling traditions, celebrated for its rich cultural diversity and artistic brilliance. For centuries, skilled puppeteers have enchanted audiences by bringing to life tales from epics, folklore, and social narratives through performances that blend music, narration, and visual artistry.
Exploring India’s Diverse Puppetry
The country’s traditional puppetry can be categorized into four main forms: string, glove, rod, and shadow puppets, each showcasing distinctive styles and regional flair. This cherished art form has thrived through generations, with families passing down skills and stories, allowing children to learn by observing their elders.
The newly released set of stamps features unique puppetry forms from various regions of India. They include:
- Kathputli from Rajasthan
- Yakshagana Sutrada Gombeyatta from Karnataka
- Daanger Putul from West Bengal
- Kathi Kundhei from Odisha
- Benir Putul from West Bengal
- Pavakathakali from Kerala
- Ravanachhaya from Odisha
- Tolu Bommalatta from Andhra Pradesh
Each stamp artistically depicts the unique costumes, forms, and performance styles associated with its respective tradition, highlighting the craftsmanship and cultural heritage intrinsic to India’s puppetry practices.
Artistry Behind the Stamps
The designs for the stamps, First Day Cover, Brochure, Miniature Sheet, and Special Cancellation were crafted by Shri Sankha Samanta, with contributions from the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Daricha Foundation, and Shri Dadi Pudumjee, the founder of The Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust.
The stamp set, valued at 500p, alongside various philatelic products, is available at Philatelic Bureaus nationwide and can also be purchased online at www.epostoffice.gov.in.
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