IIT Madras to organise 28th edition of annual cultural festival

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM) will be holding the 28th edition of its annual cultural festival 'Sarang 2023' in complete physical mode. The fest will feature nearly 100 events and is expects to witness over 80,00 students from more than 500 colleges across the country.

The five-day fest will take place from January 11 to 15, 2023. Over 850 students from IIT Madras from various departments will be organising the festival. The theme for this year's IITM cultural fest is 'mystic hues'. The festival will feature events organised by IITM's students clubs ranging from oratory and comedy to fine arts and writing and the nascent culinary arts club. The events will include competitions, workshops and performances.

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The fest has musical acts lined up starting with classical night with band performances, choreo night with dance performances and EDM and rock night with international artists and finally pop show night with musicians.

For this year’s social cause, IITM's fest, Saarang has launched ‘Panacea’, a campaign for health and hygiene awareness. The campaign is aimed at encouraging healthy habits to avoid disease breakouts. The social campaign will cover important facets of health and hygiene such as personal well-being and fitness, environmental hygiene, public and general health awareness, sanitation and sexual health.

The campaign had informative presentations in middle and high schools, 'fun and education' text-based games among other initiatives were released to spread the message in weeks leading up to the fest.

Appreciating the students on organizing this massive event, IIT Madras director, V Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said: “Very excited to host Sarang 2023 after two years of Covid. We are seeing a very large participation PAN-India and no doubt the week will be a very colorful and festive one and make for an enjoyable time. Wishing the best for all participants and thanking all the sponsors for their generous financial contributions.”

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Speaking about the unique aspects of Sarang 2023, IITM, cultural affairs secretary, arts, Sri Ram K, said: “Three new verticals are being introduced this year- Nova presents, Media Confluence, Comicals and The Korean Fest, celebrating the fields of Journalism, Comic books and characters and Korean culture, respectively. The fest is looking forward to hosting a Global Village on the KV Grounds bringing with it the WorldFest acts and many other international flavours. Alongside the Global Village, the Adventure Zone makes a comeback, bringing with it the popular Silent Disco, among other favourite rides.”

Further, IITM, cultural affairs secretary, arts, Jai Santhoshi S, said: “Another event that definitely promises to be the highlight for many is the ‘Spotlight lectures’. The esteemed lecturers set to grace the event include actress Ms. Suma Kanakala, chef Mr. Sashi Cheliah, Group Art Director of Amar Chitra Katha Mr. Savio Mascarenhas, journalist Ms. Palki Sharma Upadhya, Actress Ms. Revathy. The Professional Shows too boast an impressive line- up of well-established and up and coming artists alike, whose performances are sure to have the crowd singing their hearts out.”

@iitmadras is hosting the 28th edition of its Annual Cultural Fest @Saarang_IITM from January 11-15,2023 in an entirely physical mode. One of the largest student-run festivals in India, it will host more than 100 events & attract students from over 500 colleges across the nation. pic.twitter.com/bYT1umjKve

— IIT Madras (@iitmadras) January 11, 2023