Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, Feb 6: The eighth edition of Nirantar Natakotsava 2026, a four-day continuous theatre festival organized by Nirantar Udyavar, was inaugurated on February 5 at the Government Pre-University College Ground, Bolargudde, Udyavar. The festival will be held from February 5 to 8.
The event was inaugurated by Fr Stany B Lobo, who formally opened the festival by playing the damaru (a small two-headed drum) in the presence of dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Fr Stany B Lobo said that art, literature, and theatre are integral parts of our culture and society. He emphasized that art, literature, and culture need encouragement to grow and flourish. He noted that even kings in the past had extended their patronage to these fields. Theatre in society should grow through collective effort, and such growth is possible only with the support of generous-minded people. He appreciated Nirantar Udyavar for rendering commendable service over the past seven years. Through this theatre platform, the organization has continuously served society in various ways. He expressed his hope that this service would become even stronger in the coming years and continue to benefit society. He also conveyed his gratitude to everyone and thanked all those involved in organizing the festival and declared the opening of the eighth edition of the festival.
Nagesh Kumar Udyavara, president of Tulu Sahitya Academy, said that Konkani theatre has grown into a multi-language platform over the years. He noted that modern theatre experiments had once flourished in Udyavar and surrounding areas but later declined until the emergence of Nirantar Udyavar. He added that while Tulu theatre has grown significantly in and around Udupi, Dakshina Kannada still largely focuses on traditional theatre. He stressed that drama is not merely entertainment but a powerful medium of resistance and social commitment.
Hariprasad Rai, HPR Group proprietor said that drama plays an important role in maintaining mental health and helps in refreshing the mind.
The formal inauguration was followed by the staging of the Tulu play ‘Nela Neerda Dunipu’ presented by Bhoomigeetha Samskrithika Vedike, Patla.
As part of the festival, Kannada play ‘Nammologobba Gandhi’ by Rangayana Shivamogga will be staged on February 6, on February 7 Konkani play ‘Bangar Manis’ by Asthitva (R) Mangaluru, and the concluding presentation will be the Malayalam play ‘Kuhoo – An Anthology on Rails’ by Little Hearts School of Theatre Kerala. Entry will be free for the public.
Steven Colaco welcomed the gathering and compered the event.
Ronald D’souza, coordinator Nirantar Natkotsav; Roshan Crasta, president Nirantar Udyavar; Oliveira Mathias, secretary; Harish Chandra, president Management Committee Government High School Udyavar; Valerian Alva, Moodubelle Charitable Trust; Malathi Sandeep, president Udyavara gram panchayat and others were present on the occasion.