6 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

6 min

Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

Bharat Rang Mahotsav: Celebrating Theatre's Diversity and Inclusivity Across India

National School of Drama's Bharat Rang Mahotsav promotes democratic exchange of ideas.

The 25th edition of the National School of Drama's Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) is being held in every State and Union Territory, platforming the tagline: 'samvad sanskritiyon ka'. The festival features 277 productions in 228 Indian and foreign languages and dialects. The Adirang segment focusses on traditional practices in tribal communities, puppet theatre and dance dramas have been given their due.

The festival aims to create a non-elitist stage that focusses not just on big names and groups but also on folk theatre practitioners from remote centres. There is representation from marginalised sections like sex workers, transgender people, and performers with physical disabilities. Street theatre is an important component of the festival.

The festival includes Sanjay Mishra performing Ghasiram Kotwal, Feroz Abbas Khan returning with Hind 1957, and Juhi Babbar Soni bringing the intense relationship between her maternal grandparents, Sajjad and Razia Zaheer, to life in Ek Lamha Zindagi – A Love Story: 1938-1979. Kaumudi starring Kumud Mishra will be staged on February 10. The festival is on till February 20.

Key Facts

The 25th edition of the National School of Drama’s Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) is being held in every State and Union Territory.

The festival features 277 productions in 228 Indian and foreign languages and dialects.

The Adirang segment focusses on traditional practices in tribal communities.

Puppet theatre and dance dramas have been given their due in the festival.

The festival aims to create a non-elitist stage that focusses not just on big names and groups but also on folk theatre practitioners from remote centres.

The festival includes representation from marginalised sections like sex workers, transgender people, and performers with physical disabilities.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper I: Art and Culture - Focus on the evolution of theatre in India and its socio-cultural significance.

GS Paper II: Social Justice - The role of theatre in promoting inclusivity and representing marginalized communities.

GS Paper IV: Ethics - The use of theatre as a medium for conveying moral and ethical values.

Visual Insights

Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026: A Nationwide Celebration

The 25th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav is being held in every State and Union Territory of India.

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📍Delhi

Key Statistics of Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026

Highlights from the 25th edition of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav.

Number of Productions: 277
Number of Languages and Dialects: 228
Edition: 25th

More Information

Background

The history of theatre in India is deeply intertwined with its cultural and religious traditions. Ancient Sanskrit drama, exemplified by the works of Kalidasa, flourished centuries ago. These plays often drew inspiration from the Vedas, Upanishads, and epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Theatre served not only as entertainment but also as a medium for conveying moral and philosophical teachings. Over time, regional variations in theatrical forms emerged, reflecting the diverse linguistic and cultural landscape of India. Folk theatre traditions like Jatra in Bengal, Nautanki in North India, and Yakshagana in Karnataka developed their unique styles and themes. These forms often incorporated local stories, music, and dance, making them accessible and relevant to the common people. The British colonial period saw the introduction of Western theatrical conventions, which influenced the development of modern Indian theatre. Post-independence, Indian theatre underwent a period of experimentation and innovation. Playwrights like Habib Tanvir and Badal Sircar sought to create theatre that was socially relevant and politically engaged. They drew inspiration from folk traditions and used theatre as a tool for raising awareness about issues such as poverty, inequality, and social injustice. The establishment of institutions like the National School of Drama played a crucial role in training actors, directors, and playwrights and promoting the development of Indian theatre. Contemporary Indian theatre continues to evolve, reflecting the changing social and political landscape of the country. It encompasses a wide range of styles and themes, from traditional forms to experimental works. Theatre festivals like the Bharat Rang Mahotsav provide a platform for showcasing the diversity and dynamism of Indian theatre and fostering dialogue between different cultures and communities.

Latest Developments

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on promoting inclusivity and diversity in Indian theatre. This includes efforts to provide opportunities for marginalized communities, such as women, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, to participate in theatre as performers, writers, and directors. Initiatives like the Adirang segment of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, which focuses on traditional practices in tribal communities, are helping to preserve and promote indigenous art forms. The rise of digital technology has also had a significant impact on Indian theatre. Online platforms are being used to stream performances, connect artists with audiences, and create new forms of interactive theatre. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, as theatre companies were forced to find alternative ways to reach audiences during lockdowns and social distancing measures. This has led to the emergence of new hybrid forms of theatre that combine live performance with digital elements. Looking ahead, the future of Indian theatre is likely to be shaped by a number of factors, including the increasing globalization of culture, the growing importance of digital technology, and the ongoing struggle for social justice and equality. Theatre will continue to play a vital role in reflecting and shaping Indian society, providing a platform for dialogue, debate, and creative expression. Government support through institutions like the Sangeet Natak Akademi will be crucial in fostering the growth and development of Indian theatre. Furthermore, the focus on regional theatre and the promotion of local languages are gaining momentum. This ensures that theatre remains accessible to a wider audience and reflects the diverse cultural identities of India. The challenge lies in balancing traditional forms with contemporary themes, ensuring that theatre remains relevant and engaging for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) and why is it important?

The Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) is a theatre festival organized by the National School of Drama. It is important because it promotes diversity and inclusivity in theatre by showcasing productions in various languages and dialects, and by providing a platform for marginalized communities and folk theatre practitioners.

2. What are the key facts about the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav for UPSC Prelims?

The 25th edition of BRM is being held in every State and Union Territory. It features 277 productions in 228 Indian and foreign languages and dialects. The 'Adirang' segment focuses on traditional practices in tribal communities. The festival also includes puppet theatre and dance dramas.

Exam Tip

Remember the tagline 'samvad sanskritiyon ka' which emphasizes dialogue between cultures.

3. What is the 'Adirang' segment of Bharat Rang Mahotsav?

The 'Adirang' segment of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav focuses on traditional practices in tribal communities. It is part of the festival's effort to promote inclusivity and showcase diverse cultural expressions.

4. Why is Bharat Rang Mahotsav being held in every State and Union Territory?

The Bharat Rang Mahotsav is being held in every State and Union Territory to promote democratic exchange of ideas and make theatre accessible to a wider audience across the country. This helps in fostering cultural awareness and appreciation at the grassroots level.

5. How does Bharat Rang Mahotsav promote inclusivity?

Bharat Rang Mahotsav promotes inclusivity by providing a platform for marginalized sections like sex workers, transgender people, and performers with physical disabilities. It also focuses on folk theatre practitioners from remote centers, moving away from an elitist approach.

6. What is the significance of street theatre in Bharat Rang Mahotsav?

Street theatre is an important component of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav. It allows theatre to reach a wider audience, especially those who may not have access to traditional theatre spaces. It also provides a platform for addressing social issues in a direct and engaging manner.

7. Why is the Bharat Rang Mahotsav in the news recently?

The Bharat Rang Mahotsav is in the news because the 25th edition is being held across all States and Union Territories, showcasing a wide range of productions and promoting inclusivity in theatre.

8. As a civil servant, how can you use theatre to promote social awareness, drawing inspiration from Bharat Rang Mahotsav?

As a civil servant, I can leverage theatre to promote social awareness by organizing street plays on relevant social issues, supporting local theatre groups that address community concerns, and using theatre as a medium for interactive workshops to engage citizens in discussions about important topics.

9. What are some potential challenges in organizing a large-scale theatre festival like Bharat Rang Mahotsav across all states and union territories?

Potential challenges include logistical complexities in coordinating events across diverse locations, ensuring adequate funding and resources for each participating group, addressing language barriers and cultural sensitivities, and maintaining consistent quality and standards across all productions.

10. Who are some of the key personalities associated with Bharat Rang Mahotsav?

As per the topic data, Chittaranjan Tripathy, Sanjay Mishra and Vijay Tendulkar are some of the key personalities associated with Bharat Rang Mahotsav.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Bharat Rang Mahotsav: 1. The 25th edition is being held in every State and Union Territory of India. 2. The festival includes only Indian languages and dialects in its productions. 3. The 'Adirang' segment focuses on modern theatrical practices. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.None

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The 25th edition of the Bharat Rang Mahotsav is indeed being held in every State and Union Territory. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The festival features productions in 228 Indian and foreign languages and dialects. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The 'Adirang' segment focuses on traditional practices in tribal communities, not modern theatrical practices.

2. Which of the following theatrical forms is traditionally associated with North India?

A.Jatra
B.Yakshagana
C.Nautanki
D.Tamasha

Show Answer

Answer: C

Nautanki is a popular folk theatre form from North India, known for its vibrant performances and musical narratives. Jatra is associated with Bengal, Yakshagana with Karnataka, and Tamasha with Maharashtra.

3. Assertion (A): The Bharat Rang Mahotsav aims to create a non-elitist stage. Reason (R): The festival focuses on both big names and folk theatre practitioners from remote centers. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
C.A is true but R is false
D.A is false but R is true

Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. The festival's focus on both established artists and folk performers from remote areas directly contributes to its goal of creating a non-elitist stage.