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Craft
Leather Puppetry
Product Details
Specifications
Rakhi
Motif Length
5.5 cm
Width
5.5 cm
Full Rakhi Length
32 cm
Weight
5 grams (approximately).
Your rakhi order comes with a pair of cute complementary roli-chawal glass bottles irrespective of how many Rakhis you have in a single order. If you need more than one Roli-chawal bottle with your rakhis, you can request them at helloji@itokri.com Personalization : We also offer personalized packing and gifting options for your Rakhi gift. For more information kindly contact at helloji@itokri.com
Description & Material
Tholu bommalata leather rakhi is made by master artist V. Shankar from Nimmalakunta, a village in Andhra Pradesh. It is crafted on goat leather and handpainted using natural colours, following techniques that have been practiced in the region for generations. Tholu Bommalata is a traditional leather shadow puppetry art form known for its detailed motifs such as peacocks, floral patterns and mythological figures, reflecting its strong storytelling roots and centuries-old legacy. Suitable for Raksha Bandhan celebrations, it carries a unique cultural element. After the festival, it can be reused as a magnet even after the occasion. Perfect for your brother, cousin or someone special, it comes in a potli, ready to be gifted with love. The potli is decorated with a handmade Rajasthani puppet, adding a unique cultural charm. The puppet can be removed and reused as a keychain, making it a thoughtful keepsake. This reusable and attractive potli enhances the beauty of the rakhi and makes the entire gifting experience even more special.
Note :The Rajasthani puppet into keychain.
The Rakhi into magnet.
By Purchasing a rakhi from iTokri, you have proudly associated yourself with our artisan support initiative, which brings happiness to more than 10,000 families across India. Thanks so much!
Fabric Care
Wipe with a soft dry cloth. Keep away from perfumes, sprays, water and other liquid substances.
Color
Slight difference in colour from the visible product image is possible.
We want to make sure your itokri purchase is perfect for you. That's why we're thrilled to
offer a complimentary alteration service for all stitched garments. Get the fit you've always
wanted without any extra cost. Simply reply to your order confirmation email or whatsapp us on
(( +917869957726 )) to
opt-in. We're always here to make sure you feel confident and happy in your itokri clothes.
Craft
Leather Puppetry
Leather puppetry is a hallmark of Andhra Pradesh's arts and crafts. This form of craft is inseparable from the traditional folk and cultural expression of the state. This form of shadow puppet theatre, also known as Tollubommalu, is popular in some parts of Andhra Pradesh.
V. Shankar Leather Puppets carries forward Thollu Bommalata, a 2,000-year-old tradition of leather shadow puppetry from Nimmalakunta, Andhra Pradesh, with over 60 years of experience in the craft. Every piece begins with goat leather, cleaned and processed over two weeks until transparent as glass. Natural dyes are applied by hand, and fine perforations are cut so light passes through, bringing characters from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavatha, and nature-based stories to life as glowing shadows on your walls. V. Shankar gave this craft a new form for modern homes. The same hand-cut leather now becomes lamps, frames, door hangings, fairy lights, and small and big puppets, each made by family members alongside 5 dedicated artisans.
V. Shankar Leather Puppets carries forward Thollu Bommalata, a 2,000-year-old tradition of leather shadow puppetry from Nimmalakunta, Andhra Pradesh, with over 60 years of experience in the craft. Every piece begins with goat leather, cleaned and processed over two weeks until transparent as glass. Natural dyes are applied by hand, and fine perforations are cut so light passes through, bringing characters from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavatha, and nature-based stories to life as glowing shadows on your walls. V. Shankar gave this craft a new form for modern homes. The same hand-cut leather now becomes lamps, frames, door hangings, fairy lights, and small and big puppets, each made by family members alongside 5 dedicated artisans.
Craft
×
Leather Puppetry
Leather puppetry is a hallmark of Andhra Pradesh's arts and crafts. This form of craft is inseparable from the traditional folk and cultural expression of the state. This form of shadow puppet theatre, also known as Tollubommalu, is popular in some parts of Andhra Pradesh.
Popular Leather Puppetry purchases
Handpainted Tholu Bommalata Leather Decorative LED Fairy Light (Assorted) 01
For those of you using a 44-inch wide fabric, this guide suggests measurements for a standard L Size. Think of this as your starting point. If you're working with different sizes or fabric widths, just adjust up or down accordingly. Hope this helps!
When it comes to how much fabric you'll need, it really depends on the design. We'd recommend having a chat with your designer or tailor before you order, just to be on the safe side.
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Returns Not Accepted on This Product
⚠️ Please note: This product is not eligible for return or exchange.
💬 Contact customer support for exceptions or concerns.
Returns Not Accepted on This Product
⚠️ Please note: This product is not eligible for return or exchange.
💬 Contact customer support for exceptions or concerns.
Returns Not Accepted on This Product
⚠️ Please note: This product is not eligible for return or exchange.
💬 Contact customer support for exceptions or concerns.
Returns Not Accepted on This Product
⚠️ Please note: This product is not eligible for return or exchange.
💬 Contact customer support for exceptions or concerns.
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The measurements provided indicate body measurements and are listed in both centimetres and inches for easy reference.
All garments are measured flat and are intentionally designed to be 2–4 inches looser than body measurements, allowing for a comfortable, easy fit.
Each garment is finished with little to no additional margin.
If your measurements fall between two sizes, we recommend choosing the larger size for a relaxed fit. You can opt for our complimentary alteration service or have it adjusted by your local tailor, as per your convenience. Disclaimer: A measurement variation of ±1 inch may occur when the garment is worn.
Length
Waist
Hip
For more details, please contact our customer support at:
We dispatch most orders within 48 hours. Within India, expect 5 to 7 business days, faster to the metros. International orders take 7 to 14 business days. Your tracking link arrives by email, SMS and WhatsApp once it ships.
Can I return or exchange this?
For orders within India, yes. You have 7 days from delivery, for unused product in its original packaging. WhatsApp our team with your order number and we handle it from there. Orders shipped outside India cannot be returned or exchanged, so message us before you order and we will help with size, fabric and a video of the actual piece.
What payment methods do you accept?
Cards, UPI, net banking and wallets. Cash on delivery is available in most Indian pin codes, and you will see it at checkout if yours qualifies. International orders are paid by card or PayPal, and are not COD-eligible.
How do I know this is genuinely handmade?
We source every product directly from artisan workshops across India. No middlemen, no factories. We work with over 10,000 artisans in 500+ craft clusters.
How will my order be packed?
Every order includes a handwritten note and a small surprise gift from us. Your product is wrapped carefully to reach you safe. We've done this since day one.
What is included in this?
The exact contents are listed on the product page and shown in photos. Our rakhi include only what's described. no hidden extras or missing items. Read the listing carefully.
Can I add a personal message?
We include a handwritten note in every shipment. If you want a specific message, mention it in the order notes at checkout. We'll write it for you.
Is this suitable for gifting to someone outside India?
Yes. We ship internationally. Delivery timelines vary by country. typically 10-15 business days. Check our shipping page for country-specific details and any restrictions.
When should I order for a festival or event?
Order at least 10 days before the event for India delivery, 20 days for international. During festival seasons, allow extra time as demand is higher and shipping may slow.
Is the packaging gift-ready?
Rakhis come in gift-ready packaging with roli-chawal when specified. We start shipping early for festivals. Check the listing for dispatch dates and what's included in the set.
What is Leather Puppetry?
Leather Puppetry (Tholu Bommalata) comes from Andhra Pradesh. Large translucent leather puppets are carved from goatskin, dyed with natural colors, and articulated with joints. They cast colored shadows during nighttime performances.
How is Leather Puppetry made?
Artisans select goatskin, remove hair, treat it until translucent, cut puppet shapes, make perforations for light transmission, and paint with natural dyes. Bamboo sticks attached at joints allow the puppeteer to animate the figure.
How can I tell this is genuinely handmade?
Look for minor variations in shape, color, or pattern. Machine-made products look perfectly uniform. Handmade Digital Print pieces carry the maker's touch in every small detail.
Why does each piece look slightly different?
Every piece is made by hand, one at a time. Slight differences in material, pressure, and technique make each one unique. That's what separates handcraft from factory output.
How do I care for Leather Puppetry products?
Handle gently. Keep dry and clean. Specific care depends on the material. check the product page. Most pieces stay in excellent condition with regular dusting and gentle handling.
Still Need Help?
Can't find the answer you're looking for? Our support team is here for you.
The first wash decides how a handmade fabric ages. What settles, what shrinks, what needs shade instead of sun. Our Fabric Care Compendium answers it for every weave, print and dye we ship, with Masterji's home remedies for the accidents in between.
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