The National School of Drama (NSD) inaugurated 7th EDITION OF ADI RANG MAHOTSAV 2025, a vibrant celebration of tribal art, culture and heritage, on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Open Lawn, NSD Premises, New Delhi. The inauguration ceremony was chaired by Prof. Bharat Gupt (Vice Chairman, NSD Society) with Ms. Amita Prasad Sarbhai (Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture), as the Chief Guest. The event began with a welcome address by Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director, NSD, followed by a vote of thanks from Shri Santanu Bose, Dean (Academics), NSD. The event was hosted by Sansani fame Shrivardhan Trivedi, NSD alumni & Renowned Actor.
This highly anticipated festival featured a stunning performance of Bir Birsa, a theatre presentation paying tribute to the legendary tribal hero, Birsa Munda, hailing from the heart of Jharkhand. The play Bir Birsa, directed by Sh. Jeetrai Hansda, was presented on the stage by the Maidi’s Artists Association of Tribe, Jatajhopri, East Singhbhum, Jharkhand. With a cast of 18 talented performers from the Santhal tribe, the presentation beautifully captured the heroic spirit and the life story of Birsa Munda, who led the fight for the rights of tribal communities in the late 19th century.
The inauguration commenced with a bedazzling performance of Tribal Dance & Music, highlighting the cultural richness of the region, before the play took center stage. The event was complemented by the Craft Mela, which will be open to the public daily from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM until March 23rd, offering a rich variety of traditional crafts and artifacts for sale.The festival promises an extraordinary cultural experience bringing together approximately 300 tribal artists from rural India, presenting their timeless creations and unique craftsmanship.
A three-day extravaganza, ADI RANG MAHOTSAV 2025 promises to be an enriching experience for all, offering a rare opportunity to witness the fusion of powerful storytelling, tribal art, and cultural heritage. With a vibrant array of 15 dance and music performances representing 13 states, alongside a captivating showcase of tribal craftsmanship from 11 states, ADI RANG MAHOTSAV is a grand celebration of the diversity and beauty of Indian tribal culture.
The Craft Mela at Adi Rang Mahotsav 2025 is a showcase of stunning collection of tribal art and crafts from 11 diverse states across India providing the chance to explore the richness of Assamese Handlooms and Handicrafts, the unique Leather Puppets and Crochet Lace from Andhra Pradesh, and the vibrant Madhubani Paintings from Bihar. The festival also features the exquisite Tumba Craft from Chhattisgarh, the intricate Patch Work, Copper Bells, and Bead Work from Gujarat, and the creative Wire Craft from Maharashtra. Madhya Pradesh will present its Traditional Herbal Tulsi Products, Bell Metal Bharewa Art, and Paper Mâché & Sand Crafts. Visitors can also enjoy Leather Footwear from Rajasthan, the elegant Ekat Saree from Telangana, and the unique Horn & Bone Craft from Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, West Bengal is showcasing Traditional Bengal Boutique & Jewelry, Clay Dolls, and Santhal Traditional and Ritual Items, offering a true representation of India’s diverse and colorful craft heritage. This vibrant collection provides a rare opportunity to experience and purchase authentic tribal art, making it the perfect destination for keepsakes and souvenirs.
On the occasion, the Director of National School of Drama, Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, said, “We are honored to bring Bir Birsa to our stage as part of the Adi Rang Mahotsav 2025. The play not only brings to life the extraordinary legacy of Birsa Munda but also sheds light on the rich cultural traditions of the Santhal tribe. This festival is a tribute to the resilient spirit of India’s tribal communities, and we hope it will resonate with audiences. We are also looking forward to the audience warming up to The Craft Mela, which brings tribal culture to life in its material form, offering unique keepsakes and souvenirs.”
For more information, please visit the official NSD/website:
https://nsd.gov.in/
