Bhand e Pather, part of Kashmiri folk theatre, is a satirical and realistic drama, one which incorporates mythological legends and contemporary social satire; a traditional mixture of art. Mostly performed in the countryside, it is used to entertain the public, especially on different ceremonies. The artists have a separate dress code, in accordance with the theme, for the various plays performed.
These plays are always performed in an open ground. The characters in the Bhand e Pather are well versed, and because the performances are based on social issues, they are seen criticising the rulers and stressing upon the betterment of society.
In its early days, when Bhand e Pather was introduced, it was performed in Sufi shrines here in Kashmir; 72 theatres have been established across the Kashmir valley since. Wathoora, in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, owns 10 theatres that are famous all over India. While this century-old folk art has been on a steady decline in Kashmir, artists are now calling out for the revival of this dying folk. In fact, whilst throwing light on the history of Kashmir’s folk theatre, the Chief Secretary of the Bhand e Pather amalgamation, Ghulam Mohiuddin Aajiz Balapora, himself called for a revival of the theatre.
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