Faridkot Bhand Traditional Performative Comedy

Bhand is a wandering performance caste of Punjab whose members travel village fairs and weddings performing satirical skits, mime, acrobatics, and improvisational comedy that comments on landlords, government officials, and social hypocrisies. Bhand troupes from the Malwa zone, including Faridkot and Muktsar villages, are known for sharp wit and physical comedy; their performances are unscripted responses to the specific audience and occasion. The tradition is threatened as younger bhand community members migrate to urban wage work, but Punjab government cultural revival programmes have begun documenting and supporting bhand performance groups.