Bal Rangmanch Mahotsav 2026 Concludes in a Triumph of Passion and Applause

The historic Gothic Hall of Gaiety Theatre resonated with energy, applause, and youthful passion as the fourth edition of the Bal Rangmanch Mahotsav 2026 drew to a triumphant close on October 9. Organized by the Keekli Charitable Trust, the three-day inter-school Hindi drama festival brought together 16 dynamic school teams from across Himachal Pradesh to transform works by local writers into captivating stage drama. Guided by Keekli’s motto, “Little Feet, Big Strides!”, the annual initiative aims to spark an interest in regional literature while building confidence, communication skills, and team spirit among young students.

The final day of the competition featured four compelling plays that kept the audience enthralled: Shakkar Khora by Bal Ashram (Tutikandi), Vardani Peepal by Lakshya Public School (Arki), The Unseen Curse by Lakshya Convent School (Manjhyat), and A Trip to Shimla by Model Children’s Home (Mashobra). Adding a poignant dimension to the event, the Institute of Children with Special Abilities (Boys), Dhalli presented a special act titled Unity in Diversity, highlighting inclusion and respect. The audience was also treated to Dastaan-e-Bachpan, an engaging storytelling session presented by Diksha and Tasneem.

The excitement reached its peak at 2:30 PM during the grand prize distribution ceremony, where winners across various artistic and technical categories were honored:

Best Performance

1st Place (₹5,000): Boodhon Ka Gaon — ECI Chalet Day School

2nd Place (₹3,000 – Tied): Little Hands Big Difference — Swaran Public School & Piddu Chiddu Ki Katha — Sambhota Tibetan School

3rd Place (₹2,000): Aakansha — SNKGSSS Thaila

Best Adaptation

1st Place (₹5,000): Aakansha — SNKGSSS Thaila

2nd Place (₹3,000): Uphaas — Saraswati Paradise International School

3rd Place (₹2,000): Muawza — Sacred Heart School

Best Actor

1st Place (₹3,000): ‘Sheku Ram’ in Boodhon Ka Gaon — ECI Chalet Day School

2nd Place (₹2,000): ‘Sardar’ in Uphaas — Saraswati Paradise International School

3rd Place (₹1,000): ‘Daulat Ram’ in Muawza — Sacred Heart School

Best Actress

1st Place (₹3,000): ‘Dadi’ in Little Hands Big Difference — Swaran Public School

2nd Place (₹2,000): ‘Nani’ in Yadon Ka Button — GSSS Totu

3rd Place (₹1,000): ‘Mother’ in Soil Remembers — GSSS Sarog

Best Director (Teachers/School)

Aakansha — SNKGSSS Thaila (₹5,000)

Best Set Design & Props

Boodhon Ka Gaon — ECI Chalet Day School (₹3,000)

Sound Effect & Music

Yadon Ka Button — GSSS Totu (₹3,000)

Best Costume

Piddu Chiddu Ki Katha — Sambhota Tibetan School (₹3,000)

Special Jury Award

The Unseen Curse — Lakshya Convent School, Manjhyat (₹3,000)

Speaking on the occasion, Keekli Charitable Trust Treasurer Tarandeep Kaur highlighted the organization’s ongoing commitment to child development since its inception in September 2018, emphasizing that theatre offers young learners a unique, holistic space to explore their creative potential.

The three-day extravaganza concluded in the evening with Jashn-e-Dastangoi, an exquisite presentation of traditional Urdu oral storytelling hosted at Gaiety Theatre. Artists Aastha Shukla Chadha, Syed Sahil Agha, and Tasneem spellbound the audience with rich literary and historical narratives, bringing a memorable festival to a glorious close.