Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026: India’s Largest International Theatre Festival Across 40 Locations

The National School of Drama (NSD) is all set to host the 25th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) 2026, the largest international theatre festival in the world. Scheduled from 27 January to 20 February 2026, this edition promises to be the most inclusive and expansive celebration of theatre in India’s history.

Nationwide Celebration of Theatre

This year, BRM 2026 will be held in 40 locations across India, bringing theatre to both big cities and remote areas. For the first time, each of the seven continents will be represented with at least one international production, making it a truly global event.

A Diverse Lineup of Productions

The festival will showcase a total of 277 Indian productions, including 136 specially selected and invited plays, along with 12 international productions. Performances will be presented in 228 Indian and foreign languages, including Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tulu, Urdu, Sanskrit, Tai Khamti, and Nyishi, making it the most linguistically diverse theatre festival in the world.

From 817 national applications and 34 international entries, the festival team carefully selected the final plays. Additionally, 19 university productions and 14 local productions will be performed across various centres.

Expanding to New Regions

BRM 2026 will reach new areas of India, including Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu, Aizawl (Mizoram), Tura (Meghalaya), Nagaon (Assam), Mandi (Himachal Pradesh), and Rohtak (Haryana). This ensures theatre reaches regions where opportunities are usually limited.

Inclusive Theatre for Everyone

This edition will include performances by transgender communities, sex workers, senior citizens, and other underrepresented groups. It also highlights works honoring freedom fighters, social reformers, and theatre legends. Special seminars will celebrate icons like Ebrahim Alkazi, and unique performances by NSD alumni and cancer survivors will be staged.

Special Festivals and Cultural Events

BRM 2026 will feature several sub-festivals and events, such as:

• Adirang Mahotsav – Tribal theatre, dance, and crafts
• Jashne Bachpan – Children’s theatre
• Bal Sangam – Folk performances by children
• Poorvottar Natya Samaroh – North-Eastern theatre

Puppet Theatre Festival, Dance Drama Festival, Classical Sanskrit Drama Festival, and Micro Drama Festival

The festival will also include folk art, street performances, masterclasses, workshops, and theatre seminars.

Women in Theatre

This edition celebrates women’s contribution with 33 productions directed by women. The Theatre Bazaar will showcase newly written plays, with selected works awarded and published. 17 books will also be launched under the ‘Shruti’ initiative.

Cultural and Culinary Experiences

BRM 2026 is not just about theatre. Special counters will showcase India’s diverse food, handicrafts, and cultural heritage, making the festival a complete cultural experience.

Global Collaborations

The festival is supported by leading national and international cultural institutions. Indian partners include the Maithili–Bhojpuri Academy, Hindi Academy, Garhwali–Kumaoni–Jaunsari Academy, and Urdu Academy. International collaborators include the National Polish Theatre Academy, National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts (Madrid), and Russian Institute of Theatre Arts – GITIS (Moscow).