Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 13: For the first time since the mass migration of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley in 1990 that a Kashmiri language play “Gadd Bateh” depicting unique traditions of Kashmiri Pandits was staged by Kashmiri Pandit artists directed by Rohit Bhat in Kashmir valley at a jam-packed Tagore Hall under the banner of ‘Vomedh Rangmanch’ in National Theatre Festival “Paather’ organized by Kashmir Performers Collective, here.
The play, a hilarious satire on the pangs of migration of Kashmiri Pandits and their urge to continue the age old traditions in different environs was well received by the jam-packed Kashmiri audience at Tagore Hall bringing back the old memories of the pre-migration days when Pandits and Muslims would enthrall the audience through memorable performances.
The Play written by Rakesh Roshan Bhat and directed by Rohit Bhat, the brother-duo known for their super hit plays revolves around a Kashmiri Pandit who celebrates all the Kashmiri Pandit festivals to keep the culture alive in exile but has not been able to celebrate “Gadd Bateh” because he did not own a house for 26 years in Jammu.
Now when he finally builds a house of his own he wants to celebrate it quietly. But the other characters like daughter-in-law, fish loving neighbour and the ‘Ghar Devta’ himself make it a memorable, satirical and hilarious for him.
The playwright through this play wants to convey that the Valley of Kashmir is known as “Valley Of Saints And Deities” and Kashmiri Pandits celebrated the specific days invoking the blessings of these saints and deities with lot of fervour and devotion.
The attempt of the writer director duo is to transport the audience back down the memory lane, to relive those experiences and emphasize the significance of Kashmiri Pandit festivals for their existence in a very non-preaching and entertaining manner.
The play was well received by the audience and appreciated by the critics of Kashmir valley.
The artists included Vinay Pandita, Sunny Mujoo, Daisy Bazaz, Puneet Baali, Rahul Pandita, Bharati Koul and Jai Kishen Baali.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
