Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026: A Landmark Global Theatre Celebration
The 25th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) 2026 , organised by the National School of Drama , is set to reaffirm India’s position as a global theatre hub. Scheduled from January 27 to February 20, 2026 , the festival is recognised as the largest international theatre festival in the world , featuring an unprecedented scale, diversity, and inclusivity.
Theatre Across the Nation and the World
BRM 2026 will be staged across 40 locations in India , extending theatre beyond metropolitan centres to remote and culturally rich regions. For the first time, productions from all seven continents will be represented, reinforcing the festival’s truly global character. New host regions include Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu, and several towns in the Northeast and hill states, ensuring wider cultural access.
Diverse Productions and Languages
The festival will present 277 theatre productions , including 136 curated Indian plays , 19 university productions , 14 local productions , and 12 international performances . These plays will be staged in 228 Indian and foreign languages , making BRM 2026 the most linguistically diverse theatre festival globally. Languages range from classical and widely spoken tongues to indigenous and regional languages such as Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tulu, Tai Khamti, Nyishi, Sanskrit, and Urdu.
Inclusion at the Core of BRM 2026
A defining feature of this edition is its emphasis on inclusive theatre . Performances by transgender communities, senior citizens, sex workers, and cancer survivors form a key part of the programme. Several productions honour freedom fighters, social reformers, and theatre legends, while seminars and retrospectives celebrate stalwarts such as Ebrahim Alkazi. This approach highlights theatre as a medium of social dialogue and representation.
Thematic Festivals and Knowledge Platforms
BRM 2026 will host multiple parallel festivals and thematic showcases, including:
-
Adirang Mahotsav – Tribal theatre, crafts, and dance
-
Jashne Bachpan – Children’s theatre
-
Bal Sangam – Folk performances by children
-
Poorvottar Natya Samaroh – Theatre from Northeast India
-
Puppet Theatre Festival, Classical Sanskrit Drama Festival, Dance Drama Festival, and Micro Drama Festival
In addition, workshops, masterclasses, street theatre, and academic seminars will promote learning and artistic exchange.
Spotlight on Women and New Writing
Women’s contribution to theatre receives special recognition, with 33 productions directed by women . The Theatre Bazaar will showcase new scripts, selected for awards and publication. Under the ‘Shruti’ initiative, 17 new books related to theatre and performance studies will be launched, strengthening India’s theatre literature ecosystem.
Cultural Exchange Beyond the Stage
BRM 2026 extends beyond performances to offer a holistic cultural experience. Food courts, handicraft stalls, and
Month: Current Affairs - January 23, 2026
Category: Indian Culture | International Cultural Events