The third edition of Arunachal Rang Mahotsav, now recognised as the Northeast’s largest and most diverse theatre festival, opened at the DK Convention Centre on Monday with a vibrant display of global cultural exchange. The 15-day international festival has drawn artists, directors and theatre practitioners from ten countries, setting a new benchmark for creative collaboration in Arunachal Pradesh. The inaugural ceremony, attended by top state leaders, highlighted the rapid rise of theatre culture in the state. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, speaking at the event, said that Arunachal Pradesh’s theatre movement is still young but is advancing at a remarkable pace. He praised the growing enthusiasm among young performers and emphasised that international participation has boosted confidence in the state’s artistic potential.
Mein credited festival director Riken Ngomle for bringing global visibility to the event, noting that Arunachal Rang Mahotsav has now become the region’s most prominent platform for performing arts. He also acknowledged actor and festival ambassador Adil Hussain for inspiring emerging local talent through his enduring influence. Tourism Minister P.D. Sona welcomed the international delegates and described how the state’s renewed cultural momentum began four years ago during the 50-year celebration of the Arunachal Legislative Assembly. That milestone, he said, sparked a period of energetic cultural revival—what he referred to as “Arunachal Ek Safarnama”—leading to a surge in youth-driven activities across theatre, music, sports, fashion and the wider creative sector.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu, addressing the gathering, said the festival’s evolution into a global event is a moment of immense pride for Arunachal Pradesh. He commended Ngomle’s tireless efforts in shaping the festival’s expanding scale and reputation. Khandu highlighted that the presence of artists and directors from multiple countries demonstrates the state’s growing cultural stature on the world stage. He added that Arunachal’s youth possess deep artistic and theatrical promise, assuring that the government will continue supporting initiatives that nurture creativity, innovation and long-term cultural development.
