Bhand Pather
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
Kashmir's traditional folk theatre, in which troupes of Bhands mix satire, music, dance and comedy to comment on society.
Folk theatreWhere: Kashmir valleyOccasion: Village festivals, fairs, shrine festivals and weddings
| Performed by | Hereditary troupes of male actors called Bhands; men also play women's roles |
|---|---|
| Costume | Costumes and masks suited to each character, from kings and officials to farmers |
| Music and instruments | Surnai (a reed pipe), dhol and nagara drums |
How it is performed
- The troupe performs in the open, with the audience sitting around a cleared space.
- Each play is called a pather and is named after its main character, such as Raja Pather or Darza Pather.
- The players act out the story with dialogue in Kashmiri, songs and dance, led by the music of the surnai.
- A clown figure (maskhara) uses jokes and wit to poke fun at the powerful and at social wrongs.
Significance
Bhand Pather blends satire with entertainment. For generations it was how villagers laughed at greedy rulers and corrupt officials, and families of Bhands in villages such as Wahthora and Akingam still keep the art alive.