Andhra Pradesh joins National Theater Festival celebrating 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’

The Sangeet Natak Akademi announced the National Theater Festival 2026 and said all the plays will be dedicated to the spirit of patriotism, commemorating the 150th anniversary of the national song ‘Vande Mataram.’

In a statement on Tuesday (July 14, 2026), Kuchipudi dancer and member of the Central Government Sangeet Natak Akademi, SP Bharathi, said the cultural festival is scheduled to be held on July 15 at 6 pm, with plays being performed simultaneously at 150 venues across the country.

In Andhra Pradesh, two plays were selected – “Swatantra Sangramam Spoorthi Geetham VANDE MATHARAM”, directed by P. Sai Sankar. The program will be held at Velidandla Hanumantharaya Grandhalayam, Vijayawada in association with Sri Vivekananda Vidya Nikethan Educational Institution and Dr. Foundation. Ramana Sri Saibaba Natyamandali.

The second play ‘Amaravathiki aamada dooram lo VANDEMATARA GHARJANA’ directed by P. Divakar Phanindra will be staged at Ghantasala Music and Dance College, Vijayawada. The two plays will be broadcast by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the Central Government Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi.

July 15 is the birth anniversary of poet Mahakavi Kalidasa. This festival honors the spirit of ‘Vande Mataram’ and at the same time pays tribute to the legendary poet who embodies the essence of India (Bharat Bhav).

Published – 14 Jul 2026 23:18 IST