The Billawar Association, Mumbai successfully hosted a magnificent three-day Natakotsava, which concluded on 26 January 2026.

The prestigious Shree Guru Narayana Tulu Nataka Utsava 2026 came to a memorable close on Monday, marking the culmination of a vibrant and inspiring cultural festival.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from 15 Local Offices and more than 310 artists, reflecting outstanding coordination, dedication, and passion for preserving and promoting Tulu theatre. It stood as a proud cultural milestone for the Association.

The Closing Ceremony was presided over by President Shri Harish G. Amin, who congratulated all participants and applauded the collective efforts that made the festival a remarkable success.

Prize Winners

• First Prize: Mira Road Local Office – Baggana Bhagya
• Second Prize: Kandivali Local Office – Deyakkana Daivada Elle
• Third Prize: Dombivli Local Office – Samsara

Certificates and trophies were presented to all winning teams in recognition of their outstanding performances.

Distinguished Guests

The festival was honoured by the presence of eminent personalities from cultural, social, and artistic fields, along with office bearers and representatives from several Local Offices, whose encouragement added great value to the celebrations.

Special Acting Awards

The judges selected and honoured exceptional performances, including:

• Samsara – Shantakka by Priya V. Amin
• Yaksha Nilaya – Vamana by Ramachandra Salian
• Bali – Ambika by Bhavya Suresh
• Enna Kathe – Soni by Disha Shree
• Kaji – Rashmi by Prajna
• Eregla Panodji – Shruthi by Kavya Uday Bangera

Several other awards were presented for Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Director, Best Costume, Best Music, Best Lighting, Outstanding Young Actor, and Outstanding Supporting Role.

Judges and Organising Team

Judges from outside the state were appointed this year to ensure fair and high-quality evaluation.

The overall execution of the Nataka Utsava was efficiently managed by senior coordinators and a dedicated organising team whose commitment ensured the smooth conduct of every performance.

A Proud Cultural Achievement

Many artists made their stage debut during the festival, showcasing their talent with confidence and pride.

Special appreciation is extended to the directors, writers, backstage teams, and volunteers, whose tireless efforts brought every production to life.

Congratulations to All Participants

Heartiest congratulations to every Local Office that took part in this grand event.

Shree Guru Narayana Tulu Nataka Utsava 2026 will be remembered as an inspiring celebration of culture, unity, and artistic excellence.