Fourth ‘Bal Rangmanch Mahotsav’ to be held by Keekli Charitable Trust from 7 to 9 October at Gaiety Theatre, Shimla
With the aim of providing a strong platform for children’s imagination, confidence and creative expression, Keekli Charitable Trust is organizing the fourth edition of ‘Bal Rangmanch Mahotsav’ from 7 to 9 October 2026 at Gothic Hall, Gaiety Theatre, Shimla. Behind carrying this event forward for four consecutive years is Team Keekli’s same passion, belief and dedication towards theatre and children. Bal Rangmanch Mahotsav is not just an event, but a continuous journey of giving a stage to children’s voices, imagination and dreams. Continuing this journey even in the fourth year is a matter of both pride and inspiration for the organizers.
As part of the festival preparations, rehearsals (dress rehearsals) of all participating teams have been scheduled from 22 to 24 September. This year, 15 leading educational and social institutions will enthusiastically present their theatrical performances at the festival, along with two special screenings.
Participating institutions and their presentations:
· Swarn Public School, Tutikandi: ‘Little Hands, Big Difference’ (Writer: Manjula, Creative Director: Rupesh Bhimta)
· Saraswati Paradise International Public School, Bhattakufar: ‘Upahas’ (Writer: Ranjodh Singh, Creative Director: Vivek Mohan)
· ECI Shelley Day School, High Court: ‘Budhon Ka Gaon’ (Writer: Sandeep Sharma, Creative Director: Sanjeev Arora)
· Sambhota Tibetan School, Chhota Shimla: The Tale of ‘Pidu Chidu’ (Writer: Kishan Shriman, Creative Director: Sanjeev Arora)
· G.S.S.S. Kadour, Shoghi: ‘Mini Jungle Plot’ (Writer: Jaywanti Dimri, Creative Director: Kumar Shanu)
· DPS Shimla: ‘Vishwas’ (Writer: Ganga Ram Raji, Creative Director: Vivek Mohan)
· Roots Country School, Bagi: ‘Bishuri Jalebi Pakode’ (Writer: Richa Kashyap, Creative Director: Sanjeev Arora)
· G.S.S.S. Saraog, Theog: ‘The Soil Remembers’ (Writer: Shreya Negi, Creative Director: Kumar Shanu)
· PM Shri Government Excellent Senior Secondary School Tutu: ‘Yaadon Ka Button’ (Writer: Ankush Bharti, Creative Director: Rupesh Bhimta)
· Sacred Heart Convent School, Dhalli: ‘Muawza’ (Writer: Dr. Kanwar Dinesh Singh, Creative Director: Rupesh Bhimta)
· Lakshya Convent School, Manjhyat: ‘The Unseen Curse’ (Writer: Keeratnoor Kaur, Creative Director: Kumar Shanu)
· Lakshya Public School, Arki: ‘Vardani Peepal’ (Writers: Piyush and Drishti, Creative Director: Kumar Shanu)
· Model Children’s Home, Mashobra: ‘A Trip to Shimla’ (Writer: Shagun, Creative Director: Vivek Mohan)
· Sarodaya Bal Ashram, Rookwood: ‘The Coffee Shop’ (Writer: Kian Amreek Thakur, Creative Director: Adarsh)
· Bal Ashram, Tutikandi: ‘Shakkar Khora’ (Writer: Kamal Purthi, Creative Director: Rupesh Bhimta)
Special presentations:
· Institute of Children with Special Abilities (Boys), Dhalli: ‘Unity Is Strength’ (Creative Director: Vivek Mohan)
· ‘Dastaan-e-Bachpan’ (Presenters: Diksha and Tasneem)
Renowned actor and theatre artist Divya Jagdale and Dan Dhanoa will grace this festival as esteemed guests. These children’s theatre performances will be evaluated by an experienced jury comprising Dr. Purnima Chauhan, Anuradha Dar and Aastha Shukla Chadha. Senior theatre experts Shri Srinivas Joshi, Jawahar Kaul and Ranjan Kaushal, as well as the creative directors, have made important contributions in giving the right direction to this entire theatrical journey.
To make the festival successful and possible, Team Keekli has expressed heartfelt gratitude to all its supporters—the Department of Language, Art and Culture; the Department of Women and Child Development; AU Small Finance Bank; La Himalayas; media partner Himachal Tonite; ‘Vichalit’ Ajay; Gaiety management; all institutional partners; and anonymous donors. Along with this, the organizers have extended special thanks to all schools, teachers, parents, child artists, students and the local creative community, whose faith and support have made this platform vibrant.
Bal Rangmanch Mahotsav is not just an event, but a continuous journey of giving a stage to children’s voices, imagination and dreams. Continuing this journey even in the fourth year is both a matter of pride and inspiration for us.
