Chandigarh, March 8, 2025- The Rang Prayog Rashtriya Natya Samaroh commenced on a grand note with the mesmerising performance of “Sohni Mahiwal” on its inaugural day.
The Eight-Day National Theatre festival is being organised by the Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Academy in collaboration with the Department of Indian Theatre, Panjab University, Chandigarh.
The festival’s curtain-raiser, Sohni Mahiwal Directed by Dr. Navdeep Kaur and performed by the talented students of the Department of Indian Theatre, captivated the audience with its powerful performances, compelling storytelling, breath taking stagecraft and soulful music Designed and Sung by Dr. Tejinder Singh. 
The play, an eternal tale of love, sacrifice, and longing, resonated deeply with the spectators, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts. The stunning visual aesthetics, soulful music, and emotionally charged performances received a standing ovation, making the inaugural show a grand success.
The opening ceremony set the tone for the festival, with esteemed guests and prominent figures from the world of theatre gracing the occasion.
In their inaugural address, Chief Guest Smt. Rakhee Gupta Bhandari (IAS, Principal Secretary, Department of Food Processing, Government of Punjab) and Guest of Honour Sh. Ashwani Chaitley (Chairman, Punjab Sangeet Natak Academy), lauded the collaborative efforts of the Academy and the University in fostering performing arts and providing a platform for creative expression.
This eight-day theatre festival will showcase eight remarkable plays from prestigious academies such as Department of Indian Theatre, PU, Chandigarh, Bhartendu Academy of Dramatic Arts, Lucknow (UP), Theatre Lab Madhya Pradesh School of Drama, Bhopal (MP) and Department of Theatre & Music, Lovely Professional University, Punjab directed by eminent theatre personalities.
More than just a theatrical celebration, the Rang Prayog Rashtriya Natya Samaroh is a step toward acknowledging the urgent need for establishing Chandigarh’s own repertory company, creating a dedicated space for theatrical excellence and cultural enrichment in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Sudesh Sharma, Chairman, Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Academy and Dr. Navdeep Kaur, Chairperson, Department of Indian Theatre, Panjab University, Chandigarh expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and emphasized the festival’s role in reviving and promoting theatre culture among the youth. 
“This festival is not just a celebration of performing arts but also an effort to keep our rich theatrical traditions alive. The response to Sohni Mahiwal has been phenomenal, and we look forward to an inspiring line-up of performances in the coming days,” they stated.
The theatre festival will continue over the next few days, showcasing a diverse range of plays that promise to engage, entertain, and inspire audiences.