Surat chapter of the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav concludes with ‘Sita No Vesh,’ exhibiting the flavour of Gujarati theatre

Surat witnessed an unforgettable cultural high as the prestigious 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav(BRM), world’s biggest international theatre festival organised by National School of Drama(NSD) concluded with the powerful staging of Sita No Vesh, a spellbinding Gujarati production that left audiences captivated and emotional. The play was a reimagination of the great classical narrative, blending modern theatrical forms with deep-rooted Gujarati cultural influences.

The Gujarat Chapter of BRM 2026 was supported by the Gujarat State Sangeet Natak Academy, Gandhinagar, Jeevanbharti Mandal, Surat and the Surat Performing Artists Association.

The ceremony was inaugurated by Chief Guest Professor Mahesh Champaklal, Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) Awardee. The event also featured Professor Kishorsinh Chavda, Vice Chancellor of Veer Narmad South Gujarat University, Surat, as the Guest of Honour.

The welcome address was delivered by Shri Bharat Bhai Shah, President of Jeevanbharti Mandal, Surat. The vote of thanks was offered by Dr. Chavan Pramod R., renowned theatre personality and Coordinator of the Surat BRM.

The final showcase, Sita No Vesh, inspired by Uttarramacharita, had been performed under the direction of Dr. Chavan Pramod R and written Mahakavi Bhavabhuti. Presented by the Department of Theatre Art, Faculty of Performing Arts, Gujarat University, the production delivered a gripping blend of classical theatricality, emotional intensity, and immaculate stagecraft.

Audiences had been enthralled by the nuanced portrayal of Sita’s character and the layered storytelling that reflected both the strength and vulnerability of one of Indian literature’s most iconic figures. The cast’s commanding performances, combined with thoughtful direction and a perfectly paced narrative, transformed the evening into a deeply moving artistic experience.

With thunderous applause echoing across the venue, the festival wrapped up on a triumphant note, marking Sita No Vesh not just as a closing act, but as the defining highlight that sealed this year’s event with grace, depth, and theatrical brilliance.

The 25th edition NSD BRM 2026, spans 25 days from 27 January to 20 February 2026, showcasing over 277 productions across 228 Indian and international languages, including several underrepresented tongues. The festival brings together national, international and regional productions, with participation from 9 countries and theatre groups from every state and union territory.

Celebrating India’s theatrical diversity, BRM 2026 includes performances by children’s groups, tribal communities, and artists from marginalised sections, reaffirming NSD’s commitment to inclusivity and the universalisation of theatre.

NSD has been continuously working towards the spread and democratisation of theatre. Recently, it launched Rang Akash, internet radio to promote theatre along with launching its OTT platform Natyam to avail some of its prized productions to theatre lovers across the nation.

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