Dept of Posts Releases ‘Puppets of India’ Stamp Series

Describing postage stamps as “miniature ambassadors of our nation’s heritage,” Ms. Kaul said the special issue honours the master puppeteers who have preserved India’s folklore, moral narratives and collective memory for centuries.

Celebrating India’s rich and diverse puppetry heritage, the Department of Posts on 13 February 2026 issued a special set of eight commemorative postage stamps titled “Puppets of India” at a ceremony held at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

The stamps were formally released by Ms. Vandita Kaul, Secretary (Posts), in the presence of artists, cultural scholars and members of the artistic fraternity.

Celebrating India’s Living Storytelling Traditions

Describing postage stamps as “miniature ambassadors of our nation’s heritage,” Ms. Kaul said the special issue honours the master puppeteers who have preserved India’s folklore, moral narratives and collective memory for centuries.

“Through this special issue celebrating the rich and diverse puppetry traditions of India, we honour the timeless storytellers who have preserved our folklore, values and collective memory across generations. May these stamps inspire renewed appreciation for India’s vibrant cultural legacy and encourage future generations to cherish and sustain these living traditions,” she said.

Puppetry: An Ancient and Diverse Art Form

Puppetry in India is among the country’s oldest and most vibrant storytelling traditions. Historically used to narrate epics, myths, social messages and moral tales, the art form blends music, narration, craftsmanship and dramatic performance.

Indian puppetry is broadly classified into four major forms:

• String puppets

• Glove puppets

• Rod puppets

• Shadow puppets

Each style reflects distinct regional aesthetics, costumes and performance techniques. The craft continues to survive through a family-based tradition, with skills and narratives passed down through generations.

Eight Regional Traditions Featured

The commemorative set features eight stamps, each depicting a distinctive traditional puppetry form from across India:

• Kathputli (Rajasthan)

• Yakshagana Sutrada Gombeyatta (Karnataka)

• Daanger Putul (West Bengal)

• Kathi Kundhei (Odisha)

• Benir Putul (West Bengal)

• Pavakathakali (Kerala)

• Ravanachhaya (Odisha)

• Tolu Bommalatta (Andhra Pradesh)

Each stamp captures the characteristic costume, visual style and performance identity of the respective tradition, highlighting the artistic craftsmanship and regional diversity embedded in India’s puppetry practices.

Design and Philatelic Details

The stamp set, along with the First Day Cover, Brochure, Miniature Sheet, Sheetlets and Special Cancellation, has been designed by Shri Sankha Samanta.

Artistic references and textual inputs for the issue were provided by:

• Sangeet Natak Akademi

• Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)

• Daricha Foundation

• Shri Dadi Pudumjee, Founder, The Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust

The denomination of each stamp in the set is 500 paise (₹5), with the complete set comprising eight stamps.

Available Nationwide and Online

The stamps and associated philatelic products are available at Philatelic Bureaus across the country and can also be purchased online through the official portal: www.epostoffice.gov.in.

With this commemorative issue, the Department of Posts once again underscores the role of philately in preserving and promoting India’s intangible cultural heritage, bringing centuries-old storytelling traditions into the hands of collectors and citizens alike.