The Akademi, in collaboration with the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, organized a festival and seminar on Bhand Pather, the traditional theatre of Jammu & Kashmir, from 24 to 26 July 2006 at Tagore Hall, Srinagar. The Deputy
Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, Mohd. Muzaffar Hussain Begh, inaugurated the festival at Sher-e- Kashmir International Cultural Centre, Srinagar, on 24 July 2006.

More than 300 artists representing 17 groups performed during the festival. The programme was divided into two parts: the morning sessions were devoted to the seminar, and the noon/evening sessions had performances by different groups. A
large number of scholars, local artists and observers took part in these sessions. Shri Motilal Kemu, eminent playwright and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee from Jammu and Kashmir, and Dr Fayaz-ud-din, eminent folklorist from Srinagar, were invited as experts.

Local scholars/experts presented papers on different aspects of Bhand Pather such as the origin and development of this folk art, its music and dance, and its sociological relevance. The papers were presented with demonstrations.

24 July

Session 1: Presentation of papers: Shri Gulam Nabi Aatish; Dr Ali Mohammad Nishtar
Session 2: Performances: Shikargah by Kashmir Bhagat
Theatre, Akingam Anantag

Shikargah by Aziz Folk theatre, Hillar Arhama Anantnag; Darde-Pather by Folk Rooma Reshi Theatre, Rohmoo, Pulwama;
Nayad Pather by Kashmir Bhand Theatre, Wathora; Angrez Pather by Sultan Bhagat Theatre, Gund Pora, Kulgam; Angrez
Pather by Alamdar Bhagat Theatre, Muhri Pora, Anantnag.

25 July

Session 1: Presentation of papers: Shri Nissar Naseem; Shri Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Aajiz
Session 2: Performances: Sufiyana Mausiqui (G.M. Saznawaz and party)

Gosian Pather by National Bhand Theatre, Wathora Budgam; Chakwal Pather by Katresh Bhand Theatre, Tilgam, Pattan
Baramullah; Hanz Pather by Mani Shah Folk Theatre, Wathora, Budgam; Boheir Pather by Gulmarg Luka Theatre, Palhalan,
Pattan; Armein-Pather by Qazi Kashmir Theatre, Bomie, Sopore.

26 July

Session 1: Presentation of papers: Shri Makhan Lal Saraf, Dastan by Shri Mohammad Islami Mir & Party
Session 2: Performances: Gosian Pather by Wullur Theatre, Zaingair, Sopore Bakarwari Pather by Bomie Lika Theatre, Bomie, Sopore; Raja Pather by Dilkash Folk Theatre, Hatmulla, Kupwara; Bakarwal Pather by Kirmani Bhagat Theatre, Drugmulla,
Kupwara; Darza Pather by Shahwail Lok Rang, Drugmulla, Kupwara; Shikargah by Baba Reshi Folk Theatre, Lol Para, Tangmarg.