IIT Madras is gearing up to host the 52nd edition of its flagship cultural festival, Saarang, from January 8 to 12, 2026. Expected to draw over 80,000 visitors, the festival promises five days of cultural, artistic, and intellectual engagement, reinforcing its status as one of India’s largest student-run events. The theme this year, Beyond Realms, celebrates the power of art to transcend physical and imaginative boundaries.
Saarang 2026 introduces new experiences including the Nova Experience Zone, open performance clusters, and the return of the Saarang Parade, transforming the campus into a moving cultural spectacle. The festival also revives the Saarang General Championship (GC) and continues its social outreach through the Kalaa initiative, supporting traditional arts and empowering underprivileged communities.
Professional shows remain the highlight of the festival, with each evening dedicated to music genres ranging from classical, rock, and pop to EDM and hip-hop. Day 0 opens with Classical Night featuring Vijayalakshmi and Krishnan Lalgudi, while Pop Night on January 12 will be headlined by Sid Sriram, alongside India’s first pop girl group, Wish.
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Saarang 2026 also hosts its acclaimed World Fest, showcasing free international concerts from Italy, Denmark, and Finland, supported by cultural bodies like the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The IIT Madras Model United Nations, interactive workshops, exhibitions, and competitive events offer students a platform for intellectual growth alongside artistic expression.
The Spotlight Lecture Series adds an enriching dimension to the festival, with luminaries such as GV Prakash, Sivaangi Krishnakumar, and Kala Master sharing their journeys and insights across cinema, music, and performing arts. Organisers highlight that over 800 students have collaborated to make this edition a spectacular celebration of talent and culture.
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, emphasised the festival’s role in bringing students from across India together to celebrate cultural diversity, while Dean (Students) Prof. Sathyanarayana N Gummadi noted that Saarang continues to blend heritage, creativity, and contemporary experiences. With new zones, proshows, and social initiatives, Saarang 2026 promises a festival experience like never before.
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