Play Akanundun selected for International Theatre Festival 2026

Idrees Bukhtiyar
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31 Jan 2026

Srinagar, Jan 30: Based on an ancient Kashmiri folk tradition, the play Akanundun has been officially selected for the International Theatre Festival (ITF) to be held under the silver jubilee celebrations of Bharangam 2026. This selection marks a significant milestone for Kashmiri folk theatre on the global stage.

The 80-minute play will be performed on 5 February 2026 at the main stage of the National School of Drama (NSD) New Delhi.

Akanundun is a centuries-old mystical narrative that has been interpreted by various Sufi poets within Kashmir’s Rishi tradition as a metaphor for spiritual evolution and inner awakening. The story symbolically portrays the spiritual journey, sacrifice, and revelation of the king and queen of the mythical kingdom of Raznag.

This production is structured within the traditional Kashmiri folk theatre form Bhand Peather, where music, satire, collective storytelling, and ritualistic movement merge into a unified theatrical expression. The music of the play draws from Kashmir’s folk-classical and devotional traditions and is performed live on stage.

Akanundun is directed and designed by renowned theatre director and theatre practitioner Arshad Mushtaq with Shahjehan Baghat serving as production supervisor. The music has been composed by Manzoor-ul-Haq.

The production is presented through a collaboration between Peather for Kashmir and the National Bhand Theatre, featuring young performers aged 15 to 24 who are trained within the traditional Bhand lineage.

Aknandun reaffirms the belief that the global identity of Kashmiri theatre is rooted in its own traditions, music, and intellectual heritage.