Satara to host first round of state-level Marathi one-act play competition

Amateur theatre artists and college students in Satara district have a big opportunity to showcase their talent on stage. The preliminary round of a state-level one-act play competition called "Natya Parishad Karandak 2026", organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Parishad, will be held in Satara.

The competition aims to give new artists a platform, and theatre groups, colleges and amateur artists in the district have been urged to take part in large numbers. The main branch of the Akhil Bharatiya Marathi Natya Parishad in Mumbai has already launched this state-level one-act play festival.

The festival was started to mark the hundredth Natya Sammelan, under the slogan "Utsav Rangbhoomi Ka, Jagar Hausi Natya Kalavantancha", and this is its third consecutive year. The competition has been organised to give new and amateur artists a chance to perform on stage.

Open to colleges as well as various theatre groups, the competition will be held in three stages: preliminary, divisional and final. The winning team in the final round will receive a prize of one lakh rupees, with other winners also receiving substantial prizes. Natya Parishad president Prashant Damle has appealed to amateur artists and colleges in Satara district to participate in large numbers. The final round of the competition will be held in Mumbai on October 28, 2026.

Teams wishing to take part must submit their entry forms by September 18, 2026. Interested participants can fill the entry form online on the Natya Parishad's website, www.natyaparishad.org.

Rajesh Kumbhardare is overseeing the work as Satara centre head, while Balkrishna Shinde and Anand alias Balu Kadam are handling responsibilities as local coordinators in Satara. Theatre lovers, amateur artists and colleges in the district have been urged to make the most of this opportunity and give the competition a good response.