NIT Srinagar’s annual cultural festival begins

Srinagar, Oct 25: The much-awaited two-day annual cultural festival, Rang-e-Chinar, started on Saturday at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, attracting an enthusiastic turnout of students, faculty, and visitors.

A statement of NIT issued here said that the inaugural day featured a series of events designed to celebrate creativity, culture, and student talent.

Returning in 2025 as Rang-e-Chinar 2.0, the festival is organised under the theme ‘Roots and Rhythms’ and promises to be bigger, better, and more diverse than previous editions.

The two-day event includes a range of workshops, exhibitions, performances, and interactive installations that provide an immersive experience for attendees.

The opening ceremony was attended by the In-Charge Director and Dean R&C, Prof Roohie Naaz Mir; Registrar Prof Atikur Rahman; Dean Students’ Welfare and Chairman of the fest, Prof Muhammad Abid Bazaz; and key officials from the local Police, including SP Hazratbal, DSP, and SHO Nigeen.

Other Deans, wardens, and faculty coordinators were also present.

In his message, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof Binod Kumar Kanujia lauded the efforts of the organising team and emphasized the importance of cultural festivals in fostering holistic development among students.

He highlighted that such events help students express their creativity, engage with diverse ideas, and strengthen the sense of community within the institute.

Prof Kanujia said that the theme ‘Roots and Rhythms’ represents the integration of traditional values with contemporary ideas, allowing students to connect with their heritage while experimenting with modern forms of art and performance.

Addressing the gathering, In-Charge Director and Dean R&C, Prof Roohie Naaz Mir, said Rang-e-Chinar provides an important platform for students to showcase talent beyond academics and fosters a spirit of teamwork and innovation.

Prof Roohie also acknowledged the contributions of faculty, administrative staff, and student coordinators in ensuring smooth execution.

She urged students to actively participate in all activities, attend workshops, and engage with visiting artists and mentors to make the most of the opportunities provided by the festival.

Institute Registrar Prof Atikur Rehman said that the smooth execution of such large-scale events reflects the institute’s commitment to both academic and cultural excellence.

He said that events of this scale require careful planning, coordination, and administrative oversight to ensure smooth execution.

“Such a festival offers students an opportunity to develop skills beyond academics, including management, communication, and collaborative problem-solving,” Prof Rehman said.

Dean Students’ Welfare and Chairman of Rang-e-Chinar 2.0, Prof Bazaz, highlighted the importance of student participation and leadership in organising the festival.

He said that the event provides a unique platform for students to engage in cultural, artistic, and extracurricular activities while developing organisational and teamwork skills.

Prof Bazaz said that the collaborative efforts of students, faculty, and administrative staff have been central to the successful execution of the festival.

“Such events play a vital role in enhancing the campus environment, fostering creativity, and promoting holistic development among students,” he said.

Earlier, Coordinator of Rang-e-Chinar 2.0, Janani L, addressed the gathering, highlighting the scale and scope of the festival.

“The event features more than 40 competitions and cultural activities over two days, with participation from over 25 institutions across Jammu and Kashmir and an expected footfall of more than 8,000 attendees,” she said.

Janani said the theme ‘Roots and Rhythms’, explaining that it represents a fusion of cultural heritage with contemporary artistic expression.

She outlined the variety of activities, from traditional art forms such as Silambam, henna art, crochet, fabric painting, and clay art to modern competitions in dance, singing, acting, poetry, photography, and rap battles.

Janani also detailed the pro shows planned for the festival, including performances by Waqar Khan, Momin Band, Shor Band, and On Edge DJ, aimed at providing high-energy entertainment for attendees.