Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 25: Artists of Vomedh Theatre Group mesmerized the audience today with their performance in Kashmiri language comic play ‘Gadd Bateh’ (Fish & Rice) approved by ‘Sangeet Natak Akademi’ at the Jammu Institute of General Education and Research and gathered accolades for this unique presentation.
A Kashmiri language play “Gadd Bateh” written by Rakesh Roshan Bhat, depicting unique traditions of Kashmiri Pandits was staged by the artists directed by Rohit Bhat under the banner of ‘Vomedh and approved by ‘Sangeet Natak Akademi’ today.
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 audience bringing back the old memories of the pre-migration days when Kashmiri Pandits would celebrate the day with much fanfare.
The play revolves round a Kashmiri Pandit who celebrated all the 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 29 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 neighbor 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 fervor and devotion.
However, after migration of Kashmiri Pandits due to turmoil the whole charm of these festivals started to wane away. But, Kashmiri Pandits ensured that whatever the situation be, their culture and legacy should not fade or vanish. They started observing all these festivals inspite of all the odds, wherever they are settled today.
Sandhya Dhar, president-JIGER was the chief guest on the occasion while Maharaj Krishan Dhar and Santosh Dhar were guests of honour and Virender Langoo as special guest.
The characters were played by King C Bharati as Kanya Lal, Sunny Mujoo as Bubji, Priya Kher as Veena, Dr Ramesh Nirash as Ghar Devta, Rishab Bambroo as Sanj Bochch, Bharati Koul as Shama Ji and Rohit Bhat as Ramesh. Makeup by Sunny Mujoo, costume Bharti Koul, property Meenakshi Rakesh Bhat, Video and Stills by Ishu Bharati Pandit.
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