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SRINAGAR: The two-day annual cultural festival Rang-e-Chinar 2.0 concluded on Sunday at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, with enthralling performances, artistic exhibitions, and spirited participation that turned the campus into a vibrant hub of creativity and celebration.
Held under the theme “Roots and Rhythms,” this year’s edition drew over 8,000 attendees, including students, faculty, alumni, and visitors from across Jammu and Kashmir. The festival featured more than 40 competitions and cultural activities, offering a dynamic blend of traditional art and modern creative expression.
Participants from 25 institutions took part in a variety of events ranging from Henna Art, Silambam, Fabric Painting, Crochet, and Clay Art to singing, dancing, acting, photography, poetry, and rap battles. The event culminated with energetic pro-shows by Waqar Khan, Mir Brothers Band, Shor Band, and DJ On Edge, which mesmerized audiences and added a pulsating finale to two days of celebration.
Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanujia, lauded the event as a celebration of the institute’s diversity, energy, and creative spirit. Talking to media at the event, he said, “Rang-e-Chinar is not just a festival; it is a reflection of our students’ imagination and teamwork. Beyond academics, such platforms play a critical role in shaping personality, leadership, and empathy. They strengthen community bonds and inspire confidence among students to express their individuality, he said.
Prof. Kanujia said the festival’s theme, ‘Roots and Rhythms,’ beautifully captured the fusion of heritage and modernity. “We want our students to stay connected to their cultural roots while embracing innovation and global perspectives. This blend of tradition and creativity is what defines the spirit of NIT Srinagar,” he added.
Director NIT Srinagar also congratulated the organizing team for their commitment and professionalism, noting that Rang-e-Chinar 2.0 had “set a new benchmark” for campus cultural events in the region. Throughout the two days, the campus buzzed with energy as students showcased their talents in music, theatre, and visual arts. The performances from soulful solo songs to electrifying dance numbers and dramatic plays received thunderous applause. The fusion of traditional Kashmiri performances with contemporary art forms symbolized the very essence of “Roots and Rhythms.”
Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman emphasized the importance of coordination and teamwork behind the success of the large-scale festival. “Such events help students acquire essential life skills beyond their coursework. These platforms build confidence, communication, and managerial abilities,” he added. Dean Students’ Welfare and Chairman of the festival, Prof. Mohammad Abid Bazaz, praised the student teams and faculty coordinators for their tireless work.
“The true spirit of Rang-e-Chinar lies in student initiative. They took ownership of the entire process from planning and logistics to performances and stage design. Their passion and professionalism made this event truly memorable,” he said. Prof. Bazaz said that it was inspiring to see creativity and teamwork of students go hand in hand. Such exposure broadens their perspective and helps them grow as well-rounded individuals, he said.
Festival Coordinator Dr. Janani L said the overwhelming participation and audience response reflected the growing enthusiasm for creative engagement among youth. “We wanted to create a platform that bridges cultural heritage with contemporary art, and the students have done that beautifully,” she said. “The campus was alive with color, energy, and ideas; it truly felt like a festival of unity,” she added.
Dr. Janani L was the coordinator, while Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran, Dr Iqra Altaf, and Dr. Pankaj Kumar were the co-coordinators of the event, whose planning and supervision were pivotal to the event’s success. The event was supported by several partners, including Bureau of Indian Standards (Title Sponsor), J&K Bank (Sponsor), Rising Kashmir and ANN News (Media Partners), and Rampage Advertising Agency (Printing Partner).
Organizers expressed gratitude to Director Prof. Binod Kumar Kanujia for his unwavering guidance, Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir for her leadership, and Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman for ensuring administrative efficiency.
Special appreciation was given to the student team, Ayush Singh, Vaishnavi Mishra, Yakshita Yadav, Shahid Nisar, and Siddhant Raghav for their dedication and creativity, along with the previous core team of Adnan Zahoor, Anjali, and Yasir Shah for laying the foundation of this edition.
Over the past 2 years, Rang-e-Chinar 2.0 has emerged as one of the most well-organized and widely attended cultural festivals in the region. With its successful execution, diverse participation, and creative depth, the festival has set a new standard for cultural engagement at NIT Srinagar.
