Top Theater Festivals in India

Before the popular media that exists now, the theatre was the creative expression of people, enabling them to tell stories and influence culture and people. If you are an artist, attending one of these Theater Festivals will provide you with a deep sense of kinship.

Bharat Rang Mahotsav

Bharat Rang Mahotsav, commonly called the National Theater Festival, is held annually in the month of January in New Delhi, India. It was first held in 1999 and is the biggest of its kind in India, providing Indian theatrical artists a chance to showcase their exceptional performances. This festival is organized by the National School of Drama to revitalize interest in the theater among the youth across the country. Although the festival had its beginnings as a national festival, it has developed into the biggest theatrical festival in Asia. Artists from around the World, mainly from Asian countries like Japan, China, and Sri Lanka, participate in this ten-day-long extravaganza.

International Theater Festival of Kerala

The International Theater Festival of Kerala is held annually in December in Thrissur, Kerala, and is popular internationally. Known as the cultural district of Kerala, there is no other apt place suitable for artists from around the world to gather and exchange ideas. This festival was initially held in 2008 and is organized every year by the Kerala Sangeetha Nadaka Academy. The festivities extend for about eight days and offer an authentic experience of the culture and indigenous art forms of Kerala.

Adirang Mahotsav

Besides Bharat Rang Mahotsav, the National School of Drama also organizes Adirang Mahotsav. If you are looking for an experience involving an amalgamation of dance, music, and theater, then Adirang Mahotsav is the best place to be. Adirang Mahotsav is hailed as the ‘Tribal Festival of India’ and for good reasons. The Adirang Mahotsav Festival showcases indigenous art and culture belonging to the tribal people of India.

Guwahati Theater Festival

Guwahati Theater Festival is an annually conducted festival that was first held in 2016. The festival is organized by G Plus in Guwahati, Assam, and is usually conducted in the months of September or November. The major award presented during the festival is the ‘Life in a Theater’ award, given to outstanding contributions to the field of theater. The festival also invites popular Bollywood actors, thus providing them a platform to showcase their works in theatrical performance.

Jaipur Theater Festival

Jaipur Theater Festival or commonly known as Jairangam is a theater festival that was first held in 2001 in Jaipur, Rajasthan. If you are an art enthusiast visiting the Pink City, this festival is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Jairangam is held annually and offers artists from all over India a chance to showcase their creativity and talents. The festival is usually held in the second half of the year and also conducts contests in photography, painting, and scriptures, among many others.