Opening with ‘The Folk Aakhyan’ and concluding with the felicitation of Ashok Saraf
Nagpur is all set to witness a grand celebration of Marathi theatre this year. The most prestigious and the highest prize–carrying competition in the state, the ‘Chief Minister Maha-Karandak State-Level One-Act Play Competition – 2025’, has been organised in an impressive manner from November 22 to 27. This information was shared by Member of Legislative Council Sandeep Joshi during a press conference.
The event is being organised by Shri Siddhivinayak Seva Trust, Mohgaon (Zilpi), and its concept has been designed by MLC Sandeep Joshi.
‘The Folk Aakhyan’ to open the festival on November 22:
The competition will be inaugurated on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 6 pm at the Ram Ganesh Gadkari Auditorium, Volleyball Ground, Laxminagar. For the first time in Vidarbha, the grand folk music and folk dance festival ‘The Folk Aakhyan’, known for showcasing Maharashtra’s rich folk culture and captivating audiences across the state, will be presented. Nagpur audiences will get to experience an extraordinary blend of colour, rhythm, tradition, and vibrant folk expressions.
A showcase of high-quality one-act plays:
The competition will feature Marathi one-act plays that won first or second prize in various competitions across the state between August 1, 2023, and September 30, 2025. Around 25 outstanding Marathi one-act plays are expected to be performed. The competition will begin on Sunday, November 23, at the Scientific Hall, Laxminagar. Theatre lovers will witness a grand celebration of Marathi theatre with top teams from across the state, renowned jury members, and accomplished artistes participating.
Felicitation of Padma Shri Ashok Saraf on November 27:
A special programme honouring the golden era of Marathi theatre has been organised for the valedictory function. Padma Shri and Maharashtra Bhushan awardee Ashok Saraf will be felicitated along with his wife on Thursday, November 27, at 6 pm at the Purushottam Darwhekar Auditorium, Volleyball Ground, Laxminagar. On this occasion, a warm and candid interview titled ‘Fakt… Ashok Mama’, hosted by popular actor Pushkar Shrotri, will be presented. Prize distribution will follow the interview.
Attractive prizes:
The winners of the competition will receive hefty prizes. The first prize carries ₹1,51,000, second prize ₹1,00,000, third prize ₹50,000, along with two consolation and two special mention prizes of ₹25,000 each. Individual awards will also be presented in categories such as acting, direction, writing, lighting, set design, costume, music, and more.
Detailed information about the event is available on www.sjcmkarandak.com and on the official Facebook and Instagram pages ‘cmkarandak’. This festival promises to be an unforgettable cultural treat for the people of Nagpur and theatre lovers across Maharashtra. Entry is free and first come first basis.
MLC Sandeep Joshi, along with organising committee members Naresh Gadekar, Ramesh Lakhamapure, Prafull Farkase, Prafull Mategaonkar, Sushil Sahare, Vaidehi Chavare, and Snehangjali Tumbde, has appealed to citizens to attend in large numbers.
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