ITANAGAR, Jan 30: The spirit of global theatre found a home in the heart of Arunachal Pradesh today as the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) 2026 officially raised its curtains at the Dorjee Khandu Hall. This landmark Silver Jubilee edition, organised by the National School of Drama (NSD) in partnership with the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, transforms Itanagar into a vibrant cultural hub for a four-day extravaganza running through January 30 to February 2.
The festival opened not with a formal gavel, but with the rhythmic energy of traditional "Buya" folk artists, reminding the audience that while the festival is international, its soul remains deeply rooted in local heritage. 
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest  Speaker Tesam Pongte expressed his pride in the state’s selection as a host city, noting that hosting the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav in Itanagar provides a rare and precious window for our youth and local artists while also highlighting how theatre acts as a unifying force for global cultural standing.
Yachuli MLA Toko Tatung who was the Guest of Honour, in his ever so energetic avatar addressed the crowd on how theatre is a reflection of our society concluding his short address with a mesmerising shaayri.
Riken Ngomle, Assistant Professor at NSD, emphasised the festival’s role as a creative bridge while also nostalgically noting that theatre regulation in the region originated at the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly (APLA) and also acknowledged Speaker Tesam Pongte and MLA Toko Tatung’s support for local artists of Arunachal.
The atmosphere was electric as the crowd settled in for the debut play, “Money Money Money Brighter Than Sunshine Sweeter Than Honey,” a brain child of MLA Toko Tatung that addressed themes of income inequality set a high bar
for the days to follow.
The celebration moves to the Dorjee Khandu State Convention Centre for the remainder of its run. The upcoming lineup features the soul-stirring "SAKALJAANI HE NAATH" on January 31st, followed by the timeless classic "TASHER DESH" on February 1st. The festival will reach its grand finale on February 2nd with the production "KAMRUPA". By bringing this Silver Jubilee edition to Itanagar, the National School of Drama continues to prove that the language of theatre is universal, bridging the gap between regional heritage and the global stage.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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