The 26th National Theatre Festival 2026, which is currently under way at Mahati auditorium, is drawing attention for the participation of theatre artistes from across the two Telugu States.

The nine-day event is conducted by Abhinaya Arts, with support from Government of India’s Ministry of Culture, Andhra Pradesh State Creativity and Culture Commission, Amaravati, and the TTD’s Hindu Dharma Prachara Parishat (HDPP) to provide an opportunity to theatre artistes to display their talent in acting, dance, music, and allied art forms.

“Drama troupes from Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, Bapatla, Anakapalle, Kurnool, Kakinada, and Palnadu in Andhra Pradesh, as well as Hyderabad and Sangareddy in Telangana, have converged at Tirupati to showcase their prowess in acting,” said B.N. Reddy, the Founder Secretary of Abhinaya Arts

On the final day, the best performing troupe will receive the ‘Hanuma Award,’ which is presented on the lines of the State government’s ‘Nandi Award’. The festival ends on July 26 (Sunday).