Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026 is set to be an exciting celebration of theatre, organized by the National School of Drama (NSD) from January 27 to February 20, 2026. This is a big deal, as it marks the 25th edition of what is known as the world’s largest international theatre festival.
This year’s festival is expanding beyond just a few locations. It will take place in 40 different spots across India and include at least one production from every continent. This effort showcases the festival’s commitment to connecting cultures worldwide.
Attendees can expect a vibrant lineup of 277 Indian productions, which includes 136 selected plays and invited performances, alongside 12 international acts. The festival features performances in 228 languages and dialects, highlighting India’s rich linguistic diversity.
The selection of plays wasn’t random; a total of 817 applications were reviewed, with 34 from international artists. In addition, 19 university productions and 14 local theater groups will join the festivities. Prof. Bharat Gupt, Vice Chairman of NSD, emphasized the festival’s spirit, highlighting its inclusivity across various languages and cultural expressions.
For the first time, the festival will introduce locations like Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep, aiming to reach audiences that typically lack access to theatrical performances. This aligns with the festival’s goal of promoting underrepresented languages and communities, making theatre accessible to everyone.
Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director of NSD, described the festival as a “Mahakumbh of theatre”—a celebration for all people. He reiterated the importance of sharing theatre in remote areas and showcasing rich oral traditions.
BRM 2026 will not just feature dramatic plays but also include special festivals like Adirang Mahotsav for tribal theatre, Jashne Bachpan for children’s performances, and even a Puppet Theatre Festival. Additionally, productions highlighting the stories of transgender communities, sex workers, and senior citizens will take the stage, marking a significant step towards inclusion.
This year, the festival will also honor historical figures like Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, as well as theatre legends such as Ratan Thiyam. A notable performance by a cancer survivor, who is also an NSD alumnus, is also in the works, adding a personal touch to the event.
In addition to the performances, there will be folk art displays, street theatre, and interactive workshops, enriching the overall experience. The Advitiya section will organize interactive sessions at the NSD campus, allowing for more engagement with the art form.
Attendees can also look forward to the Theatre Bazaar, where new plays will be showcased, and under the ‘Shruti’ initiative, 17 new books will be launched. Notably, 33 productions directed by women will be featured, emphasizing gender representation in the arts.
A highlight of the festival will be special performances dedicated to freedom fighters and social reformers, connecting theatre to India’s historical struggles and achievements. To round out the cultural experience, visitors will enjoy diverse culinary traditions and traditional handicrafts.
The scale of Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026 is impressive, with support from various national and international institutions, including the Maithili–Bhojpuri Academy and the Russian Institute of Theatre Arts. This collaborative effort ensures a festival that not only showcases talent but also brings together cultural advocates from around the world.
As we approach this remarkable event, it will be interesting to watch how social media reacts. Hashtags related to the festival will likely trending, creating a buzz around the diverse performances and highlighting the importance of theatre in bridging cultural divides.
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Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026,BRM 2026,National School of Drama
