Date: 2026-02-14Category: Press ReleaseState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
Department of Posts Releases Set of 8 Commemorative Postage Stamps on ‘Puppets of India’, Celebrating India’s Puppetry Tradition, Handcrafted Stories Carried Through Generations
**Executive Summary**
The Department of Posts released a set of 8 commemorative postage stamps on "Puppets of India" on February 13, 2026, at the Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The stamps celebrate India's puppetry tradition and handcrafted stories. The stamps were formally released by Ms. Vandita Kaul, Secretary (Posts).
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Stamp Release:**
* A set of 8 commemorative postage stamps on "Puppets of India" was released.
* The release date was February 13, 2026.
* The location was the Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi.
* Ms. Vandita Kaul, Secretary (Posts), formally released the stamps.
* **Stamp Details:**
* Each stamp depicts a distinctive traditional puppetry form from different regions of India.
* The stamps showcase the artistic craftsmanship and cultural heritage associated with India's diverse puppetry practices.
* The stamps are named: Kathputli (Rajasthan), Yakshagana Sutrada Gombeyatta (Karnataka), Daanger Putul (West Bengal), Kathi Kundhei (Odisha), Benir Putul (West Bengal), Pavakathakali (Kerala), Ravanachhaya (Odisha) and Tolu Bommalatta (Andhra Pradesh).
* The stamps, First Day Cover, Brochure, Miniature Sheet, Sheetlets and Special Cancellation have been designed by Shri Sankha Samanta.
* **Stamp Availability:**
* The stamps and other philatelic products are available at Philatelic Bureaus across the country and online.
* **Stamp Denomination:**
* Each stamp has a denomination of 500p (Set of 8 Stamps).
**Impact Analysis**
**Ministry of Communications:**
* **Impact:** The Ministry of Communications, through the Department of Posts, is responsible for issuing and promoting the commemorative stamps.
* **Action Required:** Continue to make the stamps available through Philatelic Bureaus and online platforms.
**Cultural Fraternity (Artists, Cultural Organizations):**
* **Impact:** The stamps honor their traditions and artistic contributions.
* **Action Required:** Support the initiative by promoting the stamps and continuing to preserve and promote India's puppetry traditions.
**General Public / Collectors:**
* **Impact:** The stamps offer a way to appreciate and learn about India's puppetry heritage.
* **Action Required:** Purchase the stamps to support the preservation of this art form and learn more about India's cultural heritage.
Key Entities Referenced
Department of Posts: The issuer of the commemorative postage stamps.
Puppets of India: The theme of the set of 8 commemorative postage stamps.
Ministry of Communications: The ministry overseeing the Department of Posts.
Ministry of Communications
Department of Posts Releases Set of 8
Commemorative Postage Stamps on ‘Puppets of
India’, Celebrating India’s Puppetry Tradition,
Handcrafted Stories Carried Through
Generations
Posted On: 14 FEB 2026 11:26AM by PIB Delhi
The Department of Posts issued a set of 8 Commemorative Postage Stamps on “Puppets of India” on 13th
February 2026 at the Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The stamps were formally released by Ms.
Vandita Kaul, Secretary (Posts), in the presence of distinguished guests, artists, and members of the
cultural fraternity
(Ms Vandita Kaul, Secretary (Posts), releasing the Commemorative Postage Stamps on Puppets of
India, celebrating India’s vibrant puppetry traditions and cultural heritage.)
Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary (Posts) said: “Postage stamps are miniature ambassadors of our
nation’s heritage. 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.”
Puppetry in India is among the nation’s oldest and most vibrant storytelling traditions, embodying its rich
cultural diversity and artistic ingenuity. For centuries, master puppeteers have brought to life epics,
folklore, moral teachings and social narratives through captivating performances that blend music,
narration and visual artistry.
India’s traditional puppetry is broadly classified into four forms — string, glove, rod and shadow puppets
— each with its own distinctive style and regional character. This treasured art form is sustained through a
deeply rooted tradition of family transmission, with skills and stories passed down from one generation tothe next, as children learn by observing and assisting their elders.
This commemorative issue comprises a set of eight stamps, each depicting a distinctive traditional
puppetry form from different regions of India, namely Kathputli (Rajasthan), Yakshagana Sutrada
Gombeyatta (Karnataka), Daanger Putul (West Bengal), Kathi Kundhei (Odisha), Benir Putul
(West Bengal), Pavakathakali (Kerala), Ravanachhaya (Odisha) and Tolu Bommalatta (Andhra
Pradesh). Each stamp captures the characteristic costume, form and performance style of the respective
tradition, showcasing the artistic craftsmanship and cultural heritage associated with India’s diverse
puppetry practices.
The stamp, First Day Cover, Brochure, Miniature Sheet, Sheetlets and Special Cancellation have been
designed by Shri Sankha Samanta. The artistic references and text for the issue was provided by Sangeet
Natak Akademi; Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts; Daricha Foundation; and Shri Dadi
Pudumjee, Founder, The Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust.
Stamp Denomination: 500p (Set of 8 Stamps)
The stamps and other philatelic products are available at Philatelic Bureaus across the country and also
online at www.epostoffice.gov.in
***
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