The 25th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) 2026, the world’s largest international theatre festival, was formally inaugurated by Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, at the National School of Drama (NSD), Mandi House, New Delhi, with a grand and culturally vibrant opening ceremony. The landmark edition marks 25 glorious years of Bharat Rang Mahotsav, reinforcing India’s position as a global hub of theatre and performing arts.
Bharat Rang Mahotsav as a Global Cultural Bridge
Addressing artists, theatre practitioners, and cultural dignitaries, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat emphasized that Bharat Rang Mahotsav serves as a powerful cultural bridge, connecting India’s diverse traditions, narratives, and artistic expressions with global audiences. He highlighted how such international festivals reshape global perceptions of India by offering deeper insights into the country’s rich cultural heritage, creative depth, and storytelling legacy.
Distinguished Dignitaries Grace the Opening Ceremony
The prestigious opening ceremony witnessed the presence of eminent personalities from the worlds of art, culture, cinema, and theatre, underscoring the festival’s stature.
Chief Guest: Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture & Tourism
Guest of Honour: Shri Vivek Aggarwal, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Culture
Special Guest: Ms. K. Nandini Singla, Director General, ICCR
Rang Doot: Ms. Mita Vashisht, acclaimed actor and NSD alumna
The ceremony was chaired by Prof. Bharat Gupt, Vice Chairperson of the NSD Society and Padma Shri awardee. The welcome address was delivered by Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director, NSD, while the vote of thanks was presented by Shri Pradeep K. Mohanty, Registrar, NSD. The programme was seamlessly compered by Shri Shrivardhan Trivedi, noted actor and NSD alumnus.
Major Digital Milestones for National School of Drama
A key highlight of the evening was the launch of two major digital initiatives by the Hon’ble Union Minister. The NSD App-based Radio Station “Rang Akash” and the NSD OTT platform “Naatyam” were inaugurated, marking a significant leap in digital innovation, accessibility, and global outreach for the National School of Drama. These platforms aim to connect theatre enthusiasts worldwide with India’s theatrical heritage and contemporary performances.
Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026 in Its Largest-Ever Format
Celebrating 25 years of theatrical excellence, Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026 is being held in its most expansive format to date. The festival spans over 40 locations across India, along with one country on each continent, reflecting its truly global footprint. This landmark edition features 277 Indian productions and 12 international productions, presented across 288 languages and dialects, offering an extraordinary mix of traditional theatre forms, contemporary performances, and cross-cultural collaborations.
A Testament to India’s Enduring Cultural Ethos
The 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav stands as a powerful testament to India’s enduring cultural ethos, its commitment to creative exchange, and its leadership in fostering artistic innovation and global cultural dialogue. As the world’s largest theatre festival, BRM 2026 not only celebrates the past but also shapes the future of theatre on a truly international stage.
