Ram–Ravan paper puppets
Turn a short Ramayana story into a family puppet show with simple paper characters.
- Easy with adult help
- About 30 min
- Use what you own; check local prices
- 6 steps
Turn a short Ramayana story into a family puppet show with simple paper characters. Broad folded-card handles work well for a tabletop performance, and children can choose colouring, narration or sound effects instead of performing. Start with two or three characters so a Dussehra craft afternoon stays manageable.
Keep ready
- Card
- Crayons
- Paper handles
- Glue
How to do it
- 1Draw simple characters on card.
- 2Colour their clothes and faces.
- 3Cut wide rounded silhouettes with adult help.
- 4Glue a broad folded paper handle behind each.
- 5Tell a short story using the puppets on a tabletop.
- 6Rehearse one short scene behind a low table, keeping the audience close enough to hear without shouting. Store the puppets flat after the show.
Helpful tips 💡
- Avoid sharp sticks and allow children to choose their storytelling roles.
- Let them colour a character, hold a scenery card or repeat a short line with an adult. Keep the show to a few minutes and let children opt out of speaking.
Plan ahead
Choose one short scene and divide it into a beginning, middle and ending. Prepare two sheets of card and broad paper handles; write one sentence per character for readers who want a prompt.
Common questions
How can younger children join the puppet show?
Let them colour a character, hold a scenery card or repeat a short line with an adult. Keep the show to a few minutes and let children opt out of speaking.
What should I prepare before making ram–ravan paper puppets?
Choose one short scene and divide it into a beginning, middle and ending. Prepare two sheets of card and broad paper handles; write one sentence per character for readers who want a prompt.