Colombo marked a historic cultural milestone as it hosted the Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) for the first time, celebrating 25 years of the world’s largest theatre festival. The inauguration took place at Tower Hall Theatre in Colombo today, in the presence of several dignitaries, including Sri Lanka’s Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi; Governor of Western Province, Hamid Yusoof; and India’s High Commissioner, Santosh Jha.

Organised by India’s National School of Drama (NSD) and hosted by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, in collaboration with the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, BRM 2025 spans 13 cities in India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The festival, themed One Expression, Supreme Creation, showcases over 200 productions from nine countries.

The Colombo edition features Hindi plays Tajmahal Ka Tender and Babuji, alongside Sinhala adaptations of Romeo and Juliet and Sindu Kirilli-2. The event opened with a lamp-lighting ceremony, cultural addresses, and an award presentation for the Bharat Ko Janiye Quiz winners.