Islamabad (Anantnag), Mar 23: Stating that the Kashmiri folk theatre, Bhand Pather, has all the elements of modern times, renowned film-maker and freelance theatre worker MK Raina Wednesday underlined the need of imparting vigorous training to the artists to live up to the needs of the theatre.
 “I have been doing theatre since my childhood and have learned a lot from this traditional Kashmiri folk art, Bhand Pather. It is the modern form of theatre even in the 21st century but in order to save this art from dying down, we need to impart training to the artists and adapt to the contemporary art,” said Raina.
 He was speaking at a seminar and round table conference titled “Promotion of traditional theatre of Kashmir (Bhand Pather) – A sustainable rural tourism initiative” organized by Department of Tourism, Government of India, and INTACH- JK Chapter- at Folk Theatre Centre of Akingam village.
 Raina emphasized on the documentation of Bhand Pather which he said had a rich heritage and culture.
 He also appreciated the contribution of Subhan Baghat and Ali Muhammad Majboor in reviving the Bhand Pather.
 Professor Shafi Shauq stressed on acknowledging the Kashmiri folk artists as professionals.
 Professor Farooq Fayaz impressed upon understanding symbolism of the folk art.
 Saleem Beg, Convener INTACH and Former Director General Tourism, spoke about the renaissance of Bhand Pather.
 “Bhand Pather is not an ancient art but a living history which keeps on adapting itself with the modern times,” said Beg.
 On the occasion, some artists associated with Bhand Pather were felicitated by the Tourism Department and INTACH. These included Ali Muhammad Baghat, Ghulam Muhammad Baghat, Muhammad Dilawar Bhat, Wali Muhammad Bhat, Ghulam Nabi Bhat, Ghulam Ahmad Baghat, Ghulam Rasool Baghat and Ghulam Muhammad Baghat.
 The folk artists later enthralled the audience by performing a folk play.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 23 Mar 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 23 Mar 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 IST