House of Puppet', a Zest of Rajasthan in Delhi

Meet the Artists of House of Puppets

Without knowing a member of the Bhatt family, it's almost impossible to find your way through the narrow lanes of Kathputli Colony to the House of Puppets stage. Located in western Delhi, this historic neighbourhood has been home to hundreds of artists from Rajasthan for nearly 50 years. Acrobats, singers, musicians, dancers, magicians, fire performers, and traditional puppeteers all live and work here, proudly preserving artistic traditions that have been passed down through generations. For travellers seeking an authentic cultural experience, a visit to this remarkable community offers the chance to enjoy traditional performances while supporting meaningful social initiatives. I had the privilege of meeting these talented artists thanks to Kailash Bhatt. Born and raised in Kathputli Colony, he founded the House of Puppets NGO in 2008 to teach puppetry and other performing arts to local children. After school, they gather to rehearse before taking to the stage in the evening, performing for both the local community and visitors. The barrier between performers and audience quickly disappears, creating genuine moments of cultural exchange. The joy and pride on everyone's faces—especially the children, eager to meet visitors—are truly contagious. Despite the challenges of everyday life, their enthusiasm is inspiring and demonstrates the remarkable power of art and music to bring people together. For nearly an hour, colourful puppets dance to the sound of the harmonium as the alley comes alive with spectators and performers alike. After the puppet show, young musicians create inventive rhythms using everyday objects, before a spectacular fire-breathing performance brings the evening to an unforgettable close.

A Community Project Rooted in Education and Culture

House of Puppets is much more than a performance venue. Over a cup of chai, I learned how the NGO has been supporting the local community since 2008 through a wide range of educational and creative programmes. Children can attend language classes in English and French, participate in puppet-making workshops, and learn traditional arts and crafts. The organisation also uses puppetry to raise awareness of important social issues, including gender equality, public health, and disease prevention, making these messages engaging and accessible for local audiences. page Facebook. Walking through Kathputli Colony with Kailash and the young performers offers a deeper understanding of the neighbourhood. Behind its modest homes and lively streets lies a resilient community filled with laughter, creativity, and an unwavering sense of solidarity. It's a place that challenges perceptions and leaves visitors with a lasting appreciation for the strength and optimism of its residents. Today, Kathputli Colony faces a major urban redevelopment project that aims to replace the existing homes with modern apartment buildings. While the initiative seeks to improve living conditions, many artists are concerned about preserving the space they need to rehearse, perform, and store their equipment. Despite these uncertainties, they continue to welcome visitors with warmth and generosity, sharing the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan in the heart of Delhi. *A visit to House of Puppets can easily be included in a day of exploring New Delhi. It offers a rare opportunity to experience authentic local culture while directly supporting a community of talented artists dedicated to keeping centuries-old traditions alive. For more travel inspirations you can check out our blog or explore our curated Travel Itineraries on the Travel India page.