IIT Guwahati’s Alcheringa Offers Spectacular Cultural Extravaganza, Shaan to Perform Today

Guwahati: The annual cultural extravaganza of IIT Guwahati, Alcheringa, is considered one of Northeast India’s largest student-run festivals. The 2026 edition of Alcheringa commenced on 29 January with a spectacular celebration of art, music, and the grand showcasing of youth talent.

Marking the grand opening of this year’s festive lineup, the opening ceremony left the audience captivated and stunned by a vibrant Kathakali performance presented by Gandhi Seva Sadanam Patakkad, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Indian Classical art.

This year’s edition of Alcheringa has enthusiastically attracted participation from across the country, with thousands of extremely talented students representing nearly 500 leading higher-educational institutions.

Over the past three decades, IIT Guwahati has carefully nurtured Alcheringa's identity as a national cultural movement.

Throughout the event, audiences are being treated to an eclectic mix of performances, ranging from electric heels and hip-hop to high-energy rock bands and innovative fusion acts. The organisers have dedicated this year’s celebrations to Assam’s musical icon Zubeen Garg, acknowledging his profound influence on the region’s cultural landscape.

The festival features competitions across multiple domains, including dance, music, fine arts, literary arts and various creative disciplines, spanning different venues on the IIT campus. Each day is further enlivened by cultural evenings headlined by nationally acclaimed artists, drawing massive footfall from both students and the general public.

One of the major highlights is scheduled for 1 February, when popular Bollywood playback singer Shaan will take center stage for a much-anticipated live concert. His performance is expected to draw huge crowds and add to the festival’s already spirited ambience.

For 30 years, Alcheringa has evolved into more than just a student festival; it has become a platform promoting cultural exchange, youth collaboration, and artistic excellence at a national level. With its blend of traditional heritage and contemporary performances, the festival continues to cement its legacy as one of the country’s most dynamic cultural celebrations.

As Alcheringa 2026 unfolds, IIT Guwahati once again stands illuminated with youthful creativity, diverse artistic expressions, and the enduring spirit of India’s vibrant cultural mosaic.

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