The 25th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) 2026, recognised as the world’s largest international theatre festival, was formally inaugurated by the Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, at the National School of Drama (NSD), Mandi House, New Delhi. Announced by PIB Delhi on 28 January 2026, the milestone edition marks a grand celebration of 25 years of theatrical excellence, cultural dialogue, and artistic innovation.
Bharat Rang Mahotsav: A Global Cultural मंच
Addressing the gathering, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat highlighted that Bharat Rang Mahotsav has evolved into a powerful platform that connects India’s diverse traditions, stories, and artistic expressions with audiences worldwide. He noted that such cultural festivals play a transformative role in shaping global perceptions of India’s heritage, offering international audiences a deeper, more authentic understanding of the nation’s rich artistic legacy.
The Minister emphasized that theatre continues to serve as a living bridge between tradition and modernity, strengthening cultural diplomacy and creative exchange.
Distinguished Dignitaries Grace the Opening Ceremony
The grand inaugural ceremony witnessed the presence of eminent personalities from the worlds of art, culture, cinema, and theatre.
Key dignitaries included:
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Chief Guest: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture & Tourism
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Guest of Honour: Shri Vivek Aggarwal, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Culture
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Special Guest: Ms. K. Nandini Singla, Director General, ICCR
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Rang Doot: Ms. Mita Vashisht, renowned actor and NSD alumna
The ceremony was chaired by Prof. Bharat Gupt, Vice Chairperson, NSD Society and Padma Shri awardee.
NSD Leadership and Cultural Community at the Forefront
The programme reflected the collective spirit of India’s theatre community:
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Welcome address by Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director, NSD
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Vote of thanks by Shri Pradeep K. Mohanty, Registrar, NSD
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Compering by Shri Shrivardhan Trivedi, noted actor and NSD alumnus
The presence of seasoned artists, scholars, and cultural leaders reinforced NSD’s central role in nurturing India’s theatrical ecosystem.
Digital Leap: Launch of ‘Rang Akash’ and ‘Naatyam’
A major highlight of the evening was the launch of two new digital initiatives by the Union Minister:
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NSD App-based Radio Station – “Rang Akash”
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NSD OTT Platform – “Naatyam”
These platforms mark a significant step in expanding NSD’s digital reach and global accessibility, allowing theatre lovers across India and abroad to engage with performances, discussions, and cultural content beyond physical venues.
Largest Edition Ever: Scale and Diversity of BRM 2026
Celebrating its silver jubilee year, Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026 is being organised on an unprecedented scale:
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Hosted across 40+ locations in India
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Presence in one country on each continent
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277 Indian productions and 12 international productions
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Performances across 288 languages and dialects
The festival presents a rich blend of traditional theatre forms, contemporary narratives, experimental performances, and cross-cultural collaborations, making it a true global celebration of theatre.
Conclusion
The 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav stands as a powerful testament to India’s enduring cultural vitality and its commitment to creative expression, artistic innovation, and global cultural dialogue. With its expanded scale, digital outreach, and international presence, BRM 2026 reaffirms India’s position as a vibrant cultural powerhouse, where theatre continues to inspire, connect, and transform societies across borders.
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Source: PIB
