Play “Pannadhay” Moves Audience at Chittorgarh Literature Festival

As part of the Chittorgarh Literature Festival 2026, organized by Youth Movement Rajasthan from 25–27 February, the Indian Folk Arts Troupe presented a variety of traditional puppet and folk performances, including Bahurupiya, dancers, circus acts, and snake charmers, along with a vibrant Bhawai dance, adding grandeur to the festival.

In this series of performances, the troupe, in collaboration with The Performance Cultural Society, Udaipur, staged the play “Pannadhay”, based on the sacrifice of the patriotic hero Pannadhay. Set against the backdrop of Chittorgarh Fort, the play depicted Banveer’s cunning schemes, ambition for power, and patriotic actions in a highly engaging manner.

The drama opens in Banveer’s court with Sona and Mona performing a dance, after which they approach Pannadhay’s chamber requesting him to send Udaysingh to participate in the dance program. Pannadhay refuses. Samli, the palace maid, rushes in to inform that Banveer has killed Maharaj Vikramaditya. Pannadhay then hides Udaysingh’s son Chandan in Keerat Bari’s basket and safely escorts him out of the palace to Kumbhalgarh along with two soldiers, Rai Singh and Vikram Singh. Banveer enters Pannadhay’s chamber intending to kill Udaysingh, but Pannadhay cleverly places Chandan on Udaysingh’s bed, leading Banveer to mistakenly kill the child instead of Udaysingh.

The play was directed by Prabuddh Pandey, with dance choreography by Shipra Chatterjee, costumes by Anukampa Laik, and makeup by Geetasha Pandey. The cast included:

• Pannadhay – Jyoti Mali

• Samli – Reena Bagri

• Sona – Saba Parvez

• Mona – Mahima Sharma

• Rai Singh – Piyush Jain

• Vikram Singh – Vikram Singh

• Keerat Bari – Divyanshu Nagda

• Banveer – Hussain R.C.

The stellar performances left literary enthusiasts, organizers, and audiences deeply moved, inspiring reflection on selfless devotion, patriotism, and the sacrifice of Pannadhay.

All performances were presented to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Indian Folk Arts Troupe during the Chittorgarh Literature Festival 2026.