Bharat Rang Mahotsav 25 marks a historic cultural moment as the world’s largest international theatre festival arrives in Rohtak, Haryana, for its silver jubilee edition. From February 9 to 12, the city will become a vibrant centre of drama, performance, and storytelling, welcoming theatre groups from India and abroad. Hosted at the Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts (DLCSUPVA), this edition places Rohtak firmly on India’s national and global theatre map.

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Organised by the National School of Drama (NSD), Bharat Rang Mahotsav has grown over the years into a powerful platform that celebrates the richness and diversity of theatre traditions. The 25th edition is not just a festival but a celebration of creativity, cultural exchange, and the enduring power of live performance.

A Landmark Cultural Moment for Haryana

The hosting of Bharat Rang Mahotsav 25 in Rohtak is a major milestone for Haryana’s cultural landscape. Traditionally, large international theatre events have been centred in metropolitan cities. Bringing this prestigious festival to Rohtak reflects a clear effort to decentralise cultural experiences and make high-quality theatre accessible to audiences beyond big urban centres.

The choice of DLCSUPVA as the venue highlights the growing importance of educational institutions in nurturing and promoting the performing arts. For students, artists, and local audiences, the festival offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with acclaimed theatre practitioners and diverse performance styles.

National and International Theatre on One Stage

Bharat Rang Mahotsav 25 in Rohtak is part of a wider national celebration organised by the National School of Drama in collaboration with DLCSUPVA. Theatre groups from across India and from other countries will present productions that reflect different cultures, languages, and storytelling traditions.

This mix of national and international performances allows audiences to experience a wide range of themes and theatrical forms. From contemporary social narratives to culturally rooted stories, the festival creates a shared space where ideas and artistic expressions meet. The presence of international groups also strengthens cultural dialogue and helps Indian theatre connect with global audiences.

Four Days of Curated Performances in Rohtak

The Rohtak chapter of Bharat Rang Mahotsav 25 features a carefully planned four-day programme, with one major performance scheduled each evening.

The festival opens on February 9 with “Umeed Manushya Zinda Hai”, presented by Pragya Arts Theatre Group from Delhi. The play sets a thoughtful and emotional tone for the festival, focusing on human resilience and hope.

On February 10, audiences will watch “Sandal Baar” by Manch Rangmanch from Amritsar. Known for its strong narrative and engaging performances, the play adds regional flavour and depth to the programme.

February 11 brings “Umar Ka Parwana”, staged by the Department of Fine Arts, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda. This production highlights academic engagement with theatre and reflects how universities contribute creatively to the performing arts.

The festival concludes on February 12 with “Colombo Hathe Thorana” by Apoorva Theatre Group from Sri Lanka. This international performance adds a global touch to the Rohtak leg and underlines the festival’s international character.

Pan-India Reach of Bharat Rang Mahotsav 25

While Rohtak plays a key role, Bharat Rang Mahotsav 25 is a truly nationwide event. The silver jubilee edition is being held across 41 locations in India, including cities such as Varanasi, Kolkata, Imphal, Ranchi, Patna, and Bengaluru. DLCSUPVA in Rohtak is the only venue representing Haryana, giving the state a special place in this landmark edition.

The festival runs from January 27 to February 20, covering 25 days of continuous theatrical activity. Across the country, more than 277 performances are being staged in 228 Indian and international languages. Theatre groups from nine different countries are participating, making this edition one of the most diverse in the festival’s history.

Focus on Inclusivity and Cultural Diversity

A key strength of Bharat Rang Mahotsav 25 is its strong focus on inclusivity and cultural diversity. According to Professor Suman Vaidya of the National School of Drama, the festival reflects the true spirit of Indian theatre by giving space to children, tribal communities, and artists from marginalised backgrounds.

The festival goes beyond entertainment. It acts as a social and cultural bridge, allowing different voices and stories to be heard on the same stage. By doing so, Bharat Rang Mahotsav continues to promote the idea that theatre is for everyone and that every culture has a story worth sharing.

A Celebration of Theatre and Shared Stories

As Bharat Rang Mahotsav 25 unfolds in Rohtak, it brings with it energy, creativity, and a sense of shared cultural pride. For four days, the city becomes a meeting point for artists, students, and audiences who believe in the power of live performance.

With its blend of national and international plays, its commitment to inclusivity, and its effort to take theatre beyond metropolitan centres, Bharat Rang Mahotsav 25 stands as a powerful celebration of storytelling. The Rohtak edition not only enriches Haryana’s cultural scene but also strengthens the festival’s legacy as a global platform for theatre.