BRM 2026 will showcase 277 Indian productions alongside 12 international productions, presented in an extraordinary
228 Indian and foreign languages and dialects. This makes the festival the largest theatre event in the world in terms of linguistic diversity. The selected productions emerged from a rigorous screening process that reviewed 817 national and 34 international applications. In addition, the festival will feature 19 university productions and
14 local productions across multiple centres.
Expanding Cultural Reach to New Regions
Several new locations have been added this year, including Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, Daman & Diu,
Aizawl, Tura, Nagaon, Mandi, and Rohtak.
This expansion reflects NSD’s commitment to democratise theatre and make performing arts accessible to communities in remote and underserved regions.
Performances will include languages such as Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tulu, Urdu, Sanskrit, Tai Khamti, Nyishi, along with nearly all major Indian languages and several tribal and endangered tongues.
A Festival of Inclusion and Social Representation
For the first time, Bharat Rang Mahotsav will feature productions by transgender communities, sex workers, senior citizens,
and other underrepresented groups, reinforcing theatre as a powerful medium of social inclusion and expression.
Notably, 33 productions directed by women will be showcased, highlighting the growing leadership of women in Indian theatre.
Tributes, Festivals and Knowledge Exchange
The festival will pay tribute to iconic historical figures such as Bhagwan Birsa Munda, Lok Mata Ahilya Bai, and Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, while honouring theatre legends including Ratan Thiyam, Daya Prakash Sinha,
Bansi Kaul, and Alok Chatterjee.
Curated segments such as Adirang Mahotsav, Jashne Bachpan, Puppet Theatre Festival, Classical Sanskrit Drama Festival,
and the Micro Drama Festival will enrich the programme. Seminars, masterclasses, street theatre, and workshops will run alongside performances.
Theatre Bazaar and Literary Initiatives
The Theatre Bazaar will promote newly written plays, with selected works receiving awards and publication opportunities. Under the ‘Shruti’ initiative, 17 books related to theatre and performance studies will be launched during the festival.
Culinary counters and handicraft displays will further enhance the cultural experience,
offering visitors a vibrant celebration of India’s artistic heritage.