Culture plays a significant role in reducing differences and promoting mutual understanding in external relations. Puppet theatre is an integral part of cultural heritage and a living folk tradition in India and Southeast Asia. For centuries, shadow puppet theatre has not only captivated audiences in India and Southeast Asia but has also had a ritual significance for various local communities. In India, the performance of shadow puppets is prevalent in the folk traditions of Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala. Shadow puppets are one of the treasures of India's heritage, an art that has had far-reaching influences in Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia and Indonesia. This paper provides an overview of the common cultural heritage of shadow puppetry as practised in India and Southeast Asia. The paper discusses and explains the nature, function and significance of the shared heritage of shadow puppetry in the visual, literary and social context of Indian and Southeast Asian culture.