Theatres are ancient arts that originated ages ago. Be it real or imaginative, various types of events and scenarios are depicted through theatres. Live performances by adept artists for expressing numerous thoughts with the aid of combinations of speech, music, dance, songs and gestures is the key skill needed for this fine form of art. The essence of theatres is further enhanced by the different props and stage setups. Theatre festivals are one of the earliest festivals of the country and are focussed in augmenting the popularity of theatres in India. Theatre Festivals of Northern India are also one of important festivals of the country celebrated with the aim of showcasing an important aspect of the rich cultural heritage of India.

Bharat Rang Mahotsav
Bharat Rang Mahotsav is also known as National Theatre Festival. The festival was initiated in the year 1999. It is organized in National School of Drama which is one the premier theatre training institutes of Government of India, situated in New Delhi. The festival was initially started to showcase and promote the works of Indian practitioners but later the immense popularity of the festival started to attract a number of international practitioners as well. Dedicated to the world of theatres, the festival is considered as the biggest theatre festival of Asia. Bharat Rang Mahotsav is held every year in the second week of January.

Purple Umbrella Theatre Festival
Another significant theatre festival of Northern India is Purple Umbrella Theatre Festival which was started by Platform for Action in Creative Theatre (PACT) in New Delhi. The festival had been started with the aim of strengthening access and excellence of theatres among the people, especially children. They greatly promote this vibrant form of art though participation of students having keen interest in acting, directing or any other technical aspects and provide them valuable experience and insight of the world of theatres. The main events of the festival include biggest children theatre activity, awards for groups as well as individual performers and month long celebrations.

Different types of theatres are greatly promoted by the Theatre Festivals of Northern India. A variety of subjects are beautifully portrayed through these theatres along with the works of eminent writers. Numerous skilled artists have gained prominent fame and identity in the theatre world through these festivals. Theatre festivals have enriched the culture of India since ages.