Shimla to Host 71st National Drama & Dance Competition from June 6–10, 2026

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: The All India Artist Association (AIAA) has announced the 71st National Drama & Dance Competition, scheduled to be held from 6th to 10th June 2026 at the historic Kali Bari Temple Auditorium and the iconic Gaiety Theatre, Shimla.

The five-day national cultural festival will bring together hundreds of artists, dancers, actors, directors, theatre groups, and cultural organizations from across India. The event aims to promote India’s rich artistic heritage and provide a national platform for emerging and established performers.

The competition is being organized under the leadership of noted television and film actor Rohitashv Gour, President of the All India Artist Association, with support from Dr. Rekha Gour, Vice President of the association.

Participants from several states, including Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Odisha, will take part in the event.

The competition will feature a wide range of categories, including:

Classical and Semi-Classical Dance (Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Mohiniyattam)

Folk Dance Forms (Garba, Lavani, Giddha, Kashmiri Folk Dance, Tribal Folk Dance, and others)

Modern and Contemporary Dance (Bollywood, Western, Hip-Hop, Contemporary Fusion, Freestyle Dance)

As part of the celebrations, the Indian Heroes Award Ceremony will also be organized to honor individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to society, culture, community welfare, and public service.

Award recipients will include the Deputy Commissioner of Shimla, Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Almighty Blessings, Aapka Sahyog, Shri Deepak Sundrial, YWCA, and Gurdwara Singh Sabha, Shimla.

The organizers have assured proper arrangements for participant safety, crowd management, medical assistance, and fire safety throughout the event.