CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Day 3 of All India Roopak Festival Showcases Captivating Sanskrit Plays

The third day of the All India Roopak Festival featured an impressive lineup of Sanskrit theatrical performances, covering themes ranging from Indian rivers and social corruption to women’s empowerment and philosophical reflections.

Highlight Performances of the Day

🎭 “Mahimamayabharatam” – A Tribute to India’s Sacred Rivers

The day began with the presentation of “Mahimamayabharatam”, a five-act Sanskrit play written by Director Yatindra Vimal Chaturdharin. The play focused on the role of India’s sacred rivers—as revered across Vedic, Puranic, medieval, and modern periods—in shaping human civilization.

🎭 “Ashcharyakrameva” – A Thought-Provoking Play on Social Corruption

A theatrical team from Kaliachak Bikram Kishore Adarsh Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, West Bengal, performed “Ashcharyakrameva”, a play that explores themes of social corruption, envy, lack of morality, and selfishness in modern society. Written by Vibha Kshirsagar, the play questions how people, while fulfilling societal responsibilities, compromise their ethics for personal gain. The powerful performance, featuring Anwesha Dinda as Kulvadhu, Parth Sarathi Panda as the Priest & Guard, Anushree Jana as Lakshmi, and Saubhik Panda as the Political Leader, left the audience reflecting on their own moral compass.

🎭 “Vishamaparinayam” – A Play on Women’s Struggles for Justice

The drama troupe from Sanatan Dharma Adarsh Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Una, Himachal Pradesh, presented “Vishamaparinayam”, depicting the struggles of women in their fight for justice. Written by renowned scholar Ganesh Shankar from Surat, Gujarat, the play highlighted societal injustices against women.

🎭 “Vikasitueshakalika” – A Play on Women’s Safety

The Kavi Kulguru Kalidas Sanskrit University, Nagpur, Maharashtra, presented “Vikasitueshakalika”, written by Leena Rastogi. This play powerfully addressed contemporary concerns regarding women’s safety, bringing the issue to life on stage.

🎭 “Vasantikaswapnam” – Sanskrit Adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

A team from Central Sanskrit University, Sringeri, Karnataka, performed “Vasantikaswapnam”, a Sanskrit adaptation of Shakespeare’s famous play ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. The setting was transformed to Avanti Nagar, as envisioned by 19th-century Sanskrit scholar Krishnamacharya. With Indu Sharma, Kanaklekha, Saudamini, and Makarand delivering emotionally charged performances, the play captivated the audience.

🎭 “Shambukabhishekam” – Depicting Tribal Culture and Justice

A theater group from Central Sanskrit University, Ekalavya Campus, Agartala, Tripura, presented “Shambukabhishekam”, written by Ramji Upadhyay. This play narrated the coronation of Shambuk, a Shabar prince, and highlighted tribal culture from Andhra Pradesh. The performance by Mahendra Pal received special applause.

🎭 “Bhasohas” – A Glimpse into Ancient India and the Life of Poet Bhasa

A team from Central Sanskrit University, Ranveer Campus, Kot Bhalwal, Jammu, performed “Bhasohas”, a three-act play written by Gajanand Balakrishna Palsule. The play revolved around an episode from the life of legendary poet Bhasa, showcasing ancient Indian traditions and literature. The performances by Bhasa and his rival Vasumitra enthralled the audience.

Grand Finale: “Punah” – A Solo Sanskrit Adaptation of Anton Chekhov’s ‘The Bet’

The Natyashastra Study & Research Centre, Bhopal Campus, concluded the day with a mesmerizing one-man Sanskrit play, “Punah”, based on Anton Chekhov’s ‘The Bet’.

🕰️ Duration: 1 hour 3 minutes

🎭 Concept: A Bhana-style (single-actor) Sanskrit adaptation

📖 Translation: Prof. Radhavallabh Tripathi

🎬 Direction: Prof. Sudhindra Sharma

🎤 Performance: Dr. Channabasava Swami Hiremath

🔹 The solo performer seamlessly played four different characters, holding the audience spellbound throughout.

🔹 The play explored the philosophical debate between wealth and knowledge, delivering a riveting theatrical experience.

A Day of Diverse & Powerful Performances

The third day of the All India Roopak Festival showcased a rich mix of historical, philosophical, and socially relevant themes, keeping audiences engaged with vivid storytelling, profound messages, and captivating performances.

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