By Rayees Wathori
As I close my eyes and imagine a Kashmir without Bhand Pather, I feel a shiver down my spine. The idea of a valley without the bright colors, happy laughter, and amazing performances of this traditional folk theater is too sad to think about. Bhand Pather, a centuries-old art form, has been an integral part of Kashmiri culture, bringing joy and solace to the people of the valley. It is a unique blend of dance, music, and satire, which has been a source of entertainment and social critique for generations of Kashmir. The performances, often held in village squares and festivals, would bring the community together, providing a platform for social critique. The Bhands, with their colorful costumes and exaggerated gestures, would weave a narrative that was both humorous and poignant, leaving the audience in stitches and tears.
I had the privilege of meeting many people across Kashmir, including Kashmiri Pandits, who still yearn for these performances. One of the Kashmiri Pandit who lived in Kashmir many decades back shared his personal experience with me and said:
“I used to go to witness the Bhand Pather in our neighboring village, where these Bhands would often perform and give us messages and entertainment. We may have everything now, but those gatherings, those times, and those actors are nowhere to be found. We’ve moved from small streets to big buildings, but modern life can’t fill the gap.”
Another person reminisced, “I used to witness those performances, but now they seem like a distant dream and illusion.”
However, with the passage of time, this traditional art form is slowly fading away. The younger generation, drawn to modern forms of entertainment, is no longer interested in preserving this cultural heritage.
The Bhands, who once roamed the valley, performing in every nook and corner, are now a rare sight. The few remaining troupes struggle to make ends meet, their performances limited to occasional festivals and events. This decline is not just a loss of a cultural tradition; it is also a loss of identity for the people of Kashmir. This art form, which has been an integral part of Kashmiri culture for centuries, is a reflection of the valley’s rich history and heritage.
Without Bhand Pather, the valley will lose a part of its soul, its laughter, and its tears. We will lose a history that has been passed down through generations, a history that has shaped the very fabric of our society.
It is imperative that immediate action be taken to preserve this invaluable cultural heritage. I am sure the newly formed government, along with concerned departments, will come together to support the remaining troupes and provide a platform for the younger generation to learn and perform this traditional art form. Government must also document and archive the existing performances, scripts, and music to ensure that this cultural legacy is preserved for future generations.
As a Folk Theatre artist and activist, the thought of a Kashmir without Bhand Pather is unimaginable. It is a thought that fills my heart with sadness and my mind with concern. However, it is not too late to act. We can still preserve this cultural heritage and ensure that the smile of Kashmir is not lost forever. Let us come together to support this traditional art form and keep the laughter and tears of the valley alive.
To ensure the survival of Bhand Pather, we need to adapt to the changing times. We need to create new scripts, new directions, and new ways of storytelling that appeal to the younger generation. We need to organize workshops on script-writing, provide resources to the artists, and create a platform for them to showcase their talents. There are many contemporary issues we witness on our social , political and environmental front which we can talk about through theatre. We need to encourage innovation and experimentation, while still preserving the traditional essence of Bhand Pather.
Tail Piece
Let’s preserve this great heritage which is our traditional art form that keeps keeps Kashmir’s laughter alive. Bhand Pather bestows us with a kind of entertainment that is full of information and solution oriented performance as well. Let’s ensure its stories, emotions, and memories stay vibrant for generations to come.
- The author is a Theatre Artist from Kashmir. He works with Anant National University Ahmedabad . India’s first Design X University as Artist in Residence
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