Capital city recently witnessed a spectacular milestone in the realm of performing arts with Mukul Natyotsav, a festival dedicated exclusively to children’s theatre. Organized by Sambodhi Foundation of Arts and Culture, this extraordinary initiative aimed to nurture young talent and foster a deep appreciation for the theatrical arts. With a remarkable fusion of performances, workshops, and scholarly seminars, the festival stood as a beacon of creativity, innovation, and cultural enrichment.
For the past five editions, Sambodhi Foundation of Arts and Culture had been organizing Mukul Mahotsav, the North-East’s pioneering classical dance and music festival for children under 15. The hallmark of this festival has been its dedicated training programs, providing underprivileged children with the invaluable opportunity to immerse themselves in India’s rich artistic traditions.
Mukul Natyotsav 2025 was held on March 29 last at Sukanta Academy Auditorium. The event began with a sacred Rangapooja, an ode to the stage by the artistes of Sambodhi Foundation of Arts and Culture. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Subrata Chakraborty (Vice Chairman, State Level Cultural Advisory Committee) as the Chief Guest and Sarbani Nandy (Project Director, SNA NE Documentation Centre) as the Guest of Honor.
Nandy congratulated Dr. Mandakranta Roy, Founder and Secretary of Sambodhi, on this visionary initiative and her prestigious SNA Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar. She lauded Sambodhi Foundation for its tireless contributions to the promotion of arts and culture, emphasizing theatre’s profound impact on society and individual growth. In his speech, Subrata Chakraborty commended Dr. Roy’s unwavering vision and dedication, stating that she has paved the way for a new era of artistic excellence. He emphasized that with such groundbreaking initiatives, the future of performing arts for children in Tripura shines brighter than ever.
One of the festival’s most remarkable highlights was its intensive six-day pre-festival workshop for underprivileged children, conducted from March 23 to 28, 2025, at Naba Prantik Children’s Home, Madhuban, Amtali, Tripura. Led by celebrated theatre practitioners, Chinmoy Rudrapal and Tanuja Roy, these sessions provided participants with an unparalleled hands-on experience in acting, voice modulation, stagecraft, and storytelling.
This meticulously designed workshop encouraged children to step out of their comfort zones, explore their imaginative potential, and develop confidence through theatrical expression. The enthusiasm and engagement displayed by the young participants were a testament to the program’s success in igniting a lifelong passion for the performing arts.
The festival witnessed a spectacular array of performances, where young theatre enthusiasts showcased their talent through compelling narratives and innovative stagecraft. With themes centered around social awareness, environmental consciousness, and scientific advancements, the performances captivated audiences and left a lasting impression.
Recognizing excellence in theatre, the Sarvottam Mukul Natya Samman Award 2025 was presented to the best performing team, while the most outstanding individual artist was honored with the Navankur Natya Pratibha Samman 2025. Furthermore, three distinguished performers from the workshop-oriented production received Excellence Awards and Certificates of Appreciation.
Adding an intellectual dimension to the festival, a thought-provoking seminar on ―Knowing the Basics of Natyashastra and its Application in Performing Arts‖ was conducted on the same day. This stimulating discussion brought together distinguished theatre personalities of Tripura, including Sanjoy Kar, Kumar Shankar Paul, Manika Bhowmik, Chinmoy Rudrapal, and Dr. Sanjoy Debnath, with Eminent Danseuse Sarbani Nandy and Dr. Mandakranta Roy as key speakers. The seminar delved into the intricate principles of
Natyashastra, exploring its philosophy, Abhinaya, Nava Rasa, and its relevance in contemporary theatre. The experts engaged in meaningful discussions, emphasizing the transformative power of theatre in shaping young minds and creating a culturally enriched society.
