National Theatre Festival to Mark Kalidasa Jayanti and 150 Years of ‘Vande Mataram’; Patriotic Play to Be Staged in Ujjain

Ujjain: To commemorate Kalidasa Jayanti and the 150th anniversary of the national song “Vande Mataram,” the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, will organize the National Theatre Festival 2026 across the country on July 15. As part of this nationwide cultural celebration, theatrical performances will be staged simultaneously in multiple states, showcasing India’s rich theatrical traditions and cultural heritage.

Madhya Pradesh will play a significant role in the festival, with cultural performances scheduled in Ujjain, Bhopal, Indore, and several other cities across the state. The nationwide event will feature more than 150 theatrical productions, performances in over 39 Indian languages, participation from more than 4,000 artists, and contributions from over 150 cultural institutions, making it one of the largest theatre festivals in the country.

In Ujjain, the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Literary, Cultural, Educational and Social Committee will present the patriotic play “Vande Mataram” at the Abhirang Auditorium of the Kalidasa Sanskrit Academy. Around 15 to 20 artists will perform in the production, bringing to life themes of patriotism, India’s freedom movement, and the nation’s cultural values through theatre.

The play has been directed by Vishal Parihar. According to the organizing committee, the production is dedicated to India’s cultural heritage, national spirit, and theatrical traditions, aiming to offer audiences an inspiring and emotionally engaging cultural experience.

Event Coordinator Pankaj Acharya has appealed to citizens, literature enthusiasts, theatre lovers, and cultural patrons to attend the festival in large numbers and contribute to the success of this prestigious national event.

Organizers believe the National Theatre Festival is a celebration of India’s rich theatrical legacy, linguistic diversity, and cultural unity. They added that the festival seeks to inspire the younger generation to connect with Indian literature, theatre, and cultural traditions while reinforcing the spirit of patriotism through the performing arts.