Department of Posts Unveils ‘Puppets of India’ Stamp Series

The Department of Posts has released a special set of eight commemorative postage stamps celebrating India’s rich puppetry heritage. The stamps were issued on February 13, 2026, at the Indian Habitat Centre in New Delhi, with Secretary (Posts) Vandita Kaul formally unveiling the collection in the presence of artists, cultural representatives, and invited guests. Highlighting the significance of the release, Kaul described postage stamps as “miniature ambassadors” of India’s cultural legacy. She noted that the series pays tribute to generations of puppeteers who have preserved folklore, epics, and moral narratives through visually engaging performances combining music, narration, and craftsmanship. Indian puppetry, one of the country’s oldest storytelling traditions, encompasses four principal forms: string, glove, rod, and shadow puppets. Deeply rooted in family-based transmission, the art continues to thrive as skills and stories pass from elders to younger generations. The new stamp set showcases eight distinctive regional traditions: 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 design reflects the characteristic costumes and performance styles unique to its tradition. The stamps and associated philatelic materials — including the First Day Cover, brochure, miniature sheet, sheetlets, and special cancellation — were designed by Sankha Samanta. Content support was provided by leading cultural institutions and noted puppeteer Dadi Pudumjee. Denominated at 500 paise per stamp, the series is available at Philatelic Bureaus nationwide and through the Department of Posts’ online portal.