Srinagar, Sept. 30 -- Long before the rise of radio, television, or social media among the masses, Kashmir had its own way of delivering news: Ladishah, also known as Ladi Shah or Laddi Shah. This ancient folk tradition of satire emerged in 18th-century Jammu & Kashmir and served as a lively record of the Valley's joys, sorrows, and political landscape, merging entertainment with social commentary.Traditionally, Ladishah was performed by solitary minstrels who travelled from village to village, blending storytelling with sharp humour. The performer wore a loose pheran, pyjama, and headgear, carrying an iron rod decorated with metal rings that jingled as he sang. Despite the witty and often sharp words that exposed hypocrisy, voiced grieva...