Bharat Sanskriti Bazaar at the 11th Shambhu Mitra & Bijan Bhattacharya Smriti Natya Utsav, 2026
The Shambhu Mitra & Bijan Bhattacharya Smriti Natya Utsav, 2026 stands as a significant platform in India’s contemporary theatre movement. Named after two towering figures of Indian theatre, the festival has grown over the years into what is now widely known as the Dum Dum International Theatre Festival.
At its 11th edition, Bharat Sanskriti Bazaar was proud to support the festival through financial assistance and curated gift contributions, reaffirming its commitment to cultural and artistic initiatives.
About the Festival
The festival was held from 12th to 14th January, running daily from 3:30 PM to 9:00 PM, and featured a rich mix of regional, national, and international theatre.
Key highlights included:
- Performances by 13 theatre groups from West Bengal
- Participation from Indian states such as Maharashtra and Assam
- International productions from Japan and Nepal
One of the most notable aspects of the festival was that it was completely open to the public, with no ticket sales. The event was made possible through public support and collaborations with culturally aligned organisations, without relying on any government grants.
Role of Bharat Sanskriti Bazaar
Bharat Sanskriti Bazaar believes that culture thrives when institutions actively stand beside artists and grassroots initiatives.
As part of this belief, Bharat Sanskriti Bazaar:
- Provided financial support to help sustain the festival’s operations
- Contributed mementoes and cultural gift items for artists and guests
- Supported the organisers in honouring performers, guests, and collaborators
This support helped strengthen the overall experience of the festival while easing organizational challenges.
A Space for Memory, Dialogue, and Exchange
Beyond performances, the festival served as a space for remembering the legacy of Shambhu Mitra and Bijan Bhattacharya, while encouraging dialogue across generations, regions, and countries.
Looking Ahead
Bharat Sanskriti Bazaar remains committed to supporting initiatives that connect art with society and keep cultural practices alive through meaningful collaboration.
Whether it is theatre, folk traditions, handicrafts, or community-led festivals, our focus remains clear: to support artists, honour cultural memory, and create spaces where culture is accessible to all.
