Muhammad Abdullah Bhat from Budgam carries the weight of seven generations on his shoulders as one of the few surviving Bhand artists in Jammu & Kashmir. Traditionally performed at village gatherings and weddings, Bhand Pather is a cornerstone of Kashmiri folk theater, blending satire, social commentary, and rich musical traditions using instruments like the Shehnai, Dhol, Nagada, and Kangri. Today, this centuries-old art form is on the brink of extiMuhammad Abdullah Bhat from Budgam carries the weight of seven generations on his shoulders as one of the few surviving Bhand artists in Jammu & Kashmir. Traditionally performed at village gatherings and weddings, Bhand Pather is a cornerstone of Kashmiri folk theater, blending satire, social commentary, and rich musical traditions using instruments like the Shehnai, Dhol, Nagada, and Kangri. Today, this centuries-old art form is on the brink of extinction. With performance opportunities dwindling and financial returns barely enough to sustain a family, artists like Abdullah Bhat are urging government intervention to establish structured support, training programs, and fair compensation to pass this heritage on to the younger generation. In this video, Muhammad Abdullah Bhat breaks down: The legacy of traditional Bhand Pather styles like Raja Pather, Mughal Pather, and Watal Pather. The musical craft behind the performance and traditional instruments used. The economic realities driving folk artists away from their ancestral professions. Why institutional backing is urgently needed to keep Kashmir’s performing arts alive. Reports: Arif Khannction. With performance opportunities dwindling and financial returns barely enough to sustain a family, artists like Abdullah Bhat are urging government intervention to establish structured support, training programs, and fair compensation to pass this heritage on to the younger generation.
