Theatre fest winners of last 2 years to get their awards on Oct 31

Nagpur: The state government has finally decided to hold the prize distribution ceremony for the 59th and 60th state level theatre festivals held over the last two years, 2020 and 2021 respectively. The competition in 2020 had to be halted midway due to Covid-19 restrictions while the final round was delayed in 2021.
The prize distribution was pending since last two years. Maharashtra culture minister Sudhir Mungantiwar has taken a policy decision to fix a particular date every year for the theatrical and literary awards. Following this, the prize distribution in all 5 zones of Maharashtra would be held on a single day, October 31, confirmed the state directorate of cultural affairs.
“The prize distribution of two Marathi theatre festivals as well as children’s theatre festivals held in the last two years was pending. It will be held at Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Aurangabad and Nashik on October 31 at 6.30pm,” said Vibhishan Chaware, director of cultural affairs, Maharashtra.
In Nagpur, the event will be held at Scientific Society Hall, Laxmi Nagar. Winners from Chandrapur, Amravati and Nagpur regional centres will be felicitated. From each of these centres, top three groups, as well as winners of individual prizes will be honoured with mementos, medals, certificates, and cheques of prize money. Tentatively, more than 300 group and individual prizes will be distributed on October 31.
Marathi theatre festival and the children’s theatre festival are two flagship annual events of Maharashtra. Both are very popular amongst amateur theatre artists across the state. More than 200 theatre groups, all non-professionals, participate in this competition every year. The prize money plays an important role for their future theatrical endeavours.
“Entire amateur theatre scenario was waiting for the prize distribution function from last 2 years. We work hard for months together for this event. Such delays in prize distribution events keep us away from the recognition and appreciation,” said theatre activist Roshan Nandwanshi, hoping that no such delay will happen in future as a particular date has been fixed for the award functions now.