Shimla, October 8
The second day of the Bal Rangmanch Mahotsav 2026 turned the Gothic Hall of Gaiety Theatre into a vibrant showcase of youthful talent, imagination and theatrical expression, with six teams presenting diverse stories and performances before the audience and jury. With 12 of the 16 participating teams having now performed, the competition for the top honours has entered its final stretch, with the remaining four teams scheduled to take the stage on October 9.
The festival’s guest of honour, actress and theatre artist Divya Jagdale, praised the young performers for their confidence, energy and commitment. She said the quality of performances reflected the hard work and sustained rehearsals undertaken by the children. Jagdale also appreciated the teachers, directors and mentors who have been guiding the young artists, stressing that early exposure to theatre helps children develop confidence, discipline and a stronger personality.
The day opened with ECI Shallay Day School presenting Boodhon Ka Gaon, written by Sandeep Sharma. Sacred Heart Convent School, Dhalli, followed with Muavza, written by Dr Kanwar Dinesh Singh. G.S.S.S. Kadoor, Shoghi, then presented Mini Jungle Plot, written by Jaywanti Dimri. After the lunch break, Delhi Public School, Shimla, staged Vishwas, written by Ganga Ram Rahi, followed by PM Shri Rajkiya Utkrisht Senior Secondary School, Tutu, which presented Yaadon Ka Button, written by Ankush Bharti. The final performance of the day was Aakanksha, written by Ritesh Bhardwaj and presented by Shaheed Naresh Kumar Government Middle School, Thaila.
The six productions reflected the growing confidence of the young performers, with participants displaying strong acting, dialogue delivery, expressions, stage discipline and teamwork. Each team brought its own interpretation to the stage, turning months of preparation and rehearsals into performances before a live audience.
For the judging panel comprising Dr Purnima Chauhan, Anuradha Dar and Aastha Shukla Chadha, the second day added to an already challenging task. The jury is assessing the teams on acting, storytelling, presentation, stage discipline, expressions, coordination and the overall impact of their productions. With several teams putting up compelling performances, the final decision is expected to be closely contested.
A total of 12 performances have been completed so far, with four teams still to perform on October 9. The jury will then evaluate all 16 productions before finalising the results. The winners will be announced during the closing ceremony on October 9.
While the competition for awards has intensified, the larger success of the Bal Rangmanch Mahotsav lies in the confidence and creativity it is helping nurture among children. For many participants, the festival offers an opportunity to step onto a major stage, overcome nervousness and discover their ability to communicate through performance.
Behind every production lies a story of practice, teamwork and perseverance, making the festival as much a celebration of young talent as it is a competition for top honours.
