Palhalan, Aug. 27 -- Drum beats, folk songs and satirical performances that once echoed through this north Kashmir village have fallen silent.

Folk artists struggle to keep the centuries-old tradition of Bhand Pather alive. Declining audiences, changing entertainment habits and dwindling livelihood opportunities have sounded the death knell for the art form

For generations, Palhalan in Baramulla district was known across Kashmir as a centre of Bhand Pather. Its artists travelled from village to village, entertaining audiences while conveying messages on social issues through humour and storytelling.

Today, however, the art form is losing ground as younger generations move away in search of stable livelihoods, leaving only a handful of ...