Imphal, Jan 30: The 25th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) 2026, the National School of Drama's flagship international theatre festival, commenced in Imphal on Thursday with a grand inaugural ceremony attended by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla at the renowned Chorus Repertory Theatre. The event marked a significant cultural milestone, celebrating Manipur's rich theatrical legacy while honouring the extraordinary contributions of legendary theatre personality Ratan Thiyam.
Organised by the National School of Drama (NSD), Bharat Rang Mahotsav is widely recognised as the world's largest international theatre festival. This year's silver jubilee edition is being held on its largest scale ever, featuring performances across multiple venues in India while also extending its reach to audiences across seven continents, reinforcing its global stature as a premier platform for theatrical arts and cultural exchange.
The opening performance featured KANUPRIYA, a critically acclaimed production directed by Ratan Thiyam and adapted from the celebrated poetic work of eminent Hindi litterateur Dharamvir Bharti. The staging carried special historical and emotional significance as it was presented at the Chorus Repertory Theatre, the iconic institution established by Ratan Thiyam in 1976, which has since become one of India's most respected centres for experimental and contemporary theatre.
The inaugural ceremony brought together theatre practitioners, artists, scholars, cultural enthusiasts, and dignitaries from across the country. Speakers at the event highlighted Manipur's unparalleled contribution to Indian theatre, noting that the state has long been recognised as a centre of artistic innovation, traditional performance, and experimental stagecraft.
Tributes were paid to Padma Shri Ratan Thiyam, whose pioneering work has earned international acclaim and helped place Manipuri theatre on the global cultural map. His productions, known for their unique blend of indigenous traditions, visual aesthetics, music, and philosophical depth, have influenced generations of theatre practitioners both in India and abroad.
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Officials described the decision to inaugurate the landmark edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav with KANUPRIYA at Chorus Repertory Theatre as a symbolic recognition of Manipur's central role in shaping contemporary Indian theatre. They observed that the production reaffirmed the enduring relevance of the state's artistic traditions and the continuing influence of Ratan Thiyam's creative vision.
Addressing the gathering, speakers emphasised the importance of theatre as a powerful medium for dialogue, cultural understanding, and social transformation. They expressed confidence that Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026 would foster meaningful artistic collaboration, encourage intercultural exchange, and inspire new generations of performers and audiences.
The festival will continue over the coming weeks with a diverse lineup of theatrical productions from India and abroad, offering audiences an opportunity to experience a rich variety of dramatic traditions while further strengthening Imphal's reputation as one of the country's foremost centres of theatre and performing arts.
