BRM Jammu chapter scheduled to happen in two phases
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU : The National School of Drama (NSD)’s 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2026, which is world’s largest international theatre festival, made a powerful impact in Jammu as the festival opened with the electrifying staging of ‘Rashmirathi’.
The dramatic interpretation of Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s timeless epic poem left audiences spellbound, marking a thrilling start to the world’s largest international theatre festival.
Directed by Sumeet Sharma and presented by Design Your Degree, SIEDC, University of Jammu, the performance witnessed an overwhelming response as theatre enthusiasts applauded the stirring storytelling and evocative performances.
The day was graced by at the programme, former Chief Secretary of Jammu & Kashmir B. R. Sharma graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Padma Shri Prof. Lalit Magotra, President of Dogri Sanstha, and Harvinder Kaur, Secretary of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, attended as Guests of Honour.
The event also saw the presence of Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu, along with Prof. Alka Sharma, Director SIIEDC, who delivered the welcome address. Prof. Prakash C. Antahal, Dean Students Welfare, and Prof. K. S. Charak were also present, contributing to the felicitation of dignitaries
With the successful curtain-raiser now behind, the momentum is set to soar even higher as Jammu prepares for two high-octane theatre showcases. On 17th February, the festival will present the Dogri adaptation of ‘Jasma’, written by Shanta Gandhi, translated by Kavi Rattan ji, and helmed by directors Abhishek Bharti and Aparna Kapoor. This culturally rooted production, staged by the Department of Performing Arts, Cluster University of Jammu, is expected to draw massive attention for its regional resonance and powerful narrative.
The theatrical excitement will continue on 20th February, when ‘Jasma’ returns for yet another performance, giving audiences another opportunity to experience the much-anticipated Dogri rendition in Matrika Audiotorium SMVDU Katra. NSD’s Bharat Rang Mahotsav continues to uphold its legacy of celebrating diverse cultural voices and amplifying India’s theatrical heritage on a global stage.
The 25th edition, 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.