SRINAGAR: Kashmiri folk theatre artist Ravice Rashid, popularly known as Rayees Wathori, has received the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025 in the folk theatre category for his contribution to Bhand Pather, the traditional folk theatre form of Jammu and Kashmir.
Wathori received the award in New Delhi from Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, according to a statement.
The award, instituted by the Sangeet Natak Akademi under the Union Ministry of Culture, recognises his efforts to preserve and promote Bhand Pather, which uses satire, humour and social commentary to reflect society and its concerns.
The ceremony was attended by Ministry of Culture Secretary Vivek Agarwal, Sangeet Natak Akademi Chairperson Sandhya Purecha, Vice-Chairperson Anwar Khan Manganiyar and Secretary Raju Das, along with artists and cultural activists.
Wathori’s recognition brings national attention to Kashmir’s traditional performing arts and the role of folk theatre in preserving the region’s cultural heritage.
