Agartala, Feb 5 (IANS): The 17th edition of Bharat Rang Mahotsav, Asia's largest theatre festival, is all set to enthrall the people of Agartala.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar Wednesday night inaugurated the six-day Mahotsav, organised by the National School of Drama (NSD).

"This year the festival began its journey from New Delhi. The 18-day-long festival started in the national capital from Feb 1," NSD society chairman Ratan Thiyam told reporters.

He said: "This year, for the first time ever, the festival is travelling out of the national capital to other Indian cities, including Agartala, Jabalpur, Aurangabad and Panaji."

The theme for this year's carnival is 'Breaking Borders'.

"This year, Bharat Rang Mahotsav promises to be bigger and better than ever, with 12 countries, including USA, UK, Germany, France, China, Poland, Switzerland, Norway, Israel, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh taking part in this mega festival," said Thiyam, an internationally acclaimed theatre personality from Manipur.

"From 12 participating countries, 82 productions in 23 languages and performances by 125 groups, the 17th edition of the Mahotsav is all poised to be a colossal affair," he said.