Theatre Artist Rayees Wathori Receives National Award for Bhand Pather

Convener News Desk

SRINAGAR, October 19: Kashmiri theatre artist and cultural activist Ravice Rashid, popularly known by his stage name Rayees Wathori, has received the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025 in the Folk Theatre category for his contribution to Bhand Pather, Kashmir’s traditional folk theatre form.

Wathori received the award in New Delhi from Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at a ceremony attended by senior officials and representatives of the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

Those present included Vivek Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Dr Sandhya Purecha, Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi; Anwar Khan Manganiyar, Vice-Chairman; and Raju Das, Secretary of the Akademi.

Instituted by the Sangeet Natak Akademi under the Ministry of Culture, the award recognises young artists for their contributions to the performing arts.

Bhand Pather is a traditional Kashmiri folk theatre form known for its use of satire, humour and social commentary. Wathori’s recognition highlights efforts to preserve and promote the region’s indigenous performing arts.

Through his engagement with folk theatre, Wathori has worked to sustain the tradition and keep it relevant for future generations. The award brings national attention to Bhand Pather and its place in Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural heritage.