Kalaburagi Natakotsava-2026 begins; call for stronger support to theatre

The week-long Kalaburagi Natakotsava-2026 commenced at S.M. Pandit Rangamandira in the city on February 21, with a call for greater governmental support to promote theatre, music, and the arts.

Inaugurating the festival by beating the ceremonial drum, M.Y. Patil, Afzalpur MLA, said Karnataka has earned a distinct identity in the country for its rich tradition of art, literature, theatre and music. He stressed that the government must extend financial assistance and sustained encouragement to the theatre movement to familiarise the younger generation with the State’s culture and traditions.

“Art, theatre and music are intrinsic to human life. As music is said to be a remedy for many ailments, theatre too shapes true artistes and refines society,” he observed. Referring to the popularity of traditional folk forms such as Doddata, Mr. Patil said that despite its cultural richness, the art form had not received adequate publicity. “Yakshagana from Mangaluru has gained international recognition. Our own traditional forms deserve similar exposure,” he added.

The festival, organised by the Kalaburagi district administration and Kalaburagi Next Foundation in collaboration with Bengaluru-based Ranga Shankara, and will continue till February 28.

Regional Commissioner of Kalaburagi division Zahira Naseem said Ranga Shankara had brought a curated package of theatre performances for seven days to offer audiences a rich cultural experience. She appealed to the youth to move away from excessive dependence on mobile phones and social media and engage with meaningful stage performances.

Arundhati Nag of Ranga Shankara said experienced theatre groups with nearly four decades of expertise would present diverse productions during the festival. “People of Kalaburagi must come and watch these plays. Theatre has the power to transform lives,” she said.

Recalling the founding of Ranga Shankara in memory of actor Shankar Nag, she said the institution had been nurturing theatre activities in Bengaluru for the past 21 years by providing an exclusive platform for stage performances at a nominal rent. “The space is dedicated purely to theatre,” she said, describing Shankar Nag as not only her husband but also a friend and a committed artiste.

MLCs Jagadev Guttedar and Tippannappa Kamakanoor, Gescom Chairman Praveen Patil Haraval, district president of the Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority Chandrika Parameshwar, Urban Development Authority chairman Majahar Alam Khan, Mayor Varsha Rajeev Jane, Deputy Commissioner B. Fouzia Taranum, Superintendent of Police Adduru Srinivasulu and other officials were present. Rangayana Director Sujata Jangamashetti welcomed the gathering.