The four-day cultural festival will feature performances, competitions, music and literary events

Kanpur, October 28, 2026: The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur) will host the 61st edition of its annual cultural festival, Antaragni, from October 29 to November 1, 2026. Based on the theme A Prismatic Realm, this year’s festival will bring together students from colleges across India for four days of cultural performances, competitions, music and literary events.

Since its inception in 1965, Antaragni has grown into one of Asia’s largest cultural festivals, attracting participation from over 400 colleges. The festival features more than 75 competitive and non-competitive events and has recorded a footfall of over 1.6 lakh, along with more than 3.5 lakh online viewers.

The four ProNights this year will feature International Carnival and EDM Night, Bollywood Night, Hip-Hop Night and Fusion Night. Other highlights include Ritambhara, the festival’s flagship fashion show; India Inspired, a series of interactions with leaders, visionaries and creators; and Comic Kaun, its stand-up comedy competition. The programme will also feature late-night events such as Silent Disco, Boiler Room and Prom Night.

Antaragni’s competitions will cover dance, music, theatre, fine arts, photography, filmmaking, quizzing and literature, with more than 70 artists, performers and experts from across the country serving as judges. New additions to this year’s programme include LED Dance, Model United Nations, Japanese Quilling and Turncoat, expanding the range of activities available to participants.

The festival will begin on October 29 with its inaugural ceremony, followed by India Inspired, where leaders, visionaries and creators will share their experiences and perspectives with students. Ritambhara will also open its runway, with teams from across India presenting their collections. The evening will feature International Carnival and EDM Night at the ProNite Ground, alongside Talent Fiesta, acoustic performances at Groove & Soothe, Silent Disco and Boiler Room.

On October 30, preliminary rounds of Nukkad (street play), Jitterbug (Western dance), Estampie (group dance), Stage Play, Antaragni Idol, Pair on Stage and Mr & Ms Antaragni will take place. The programme will also include Poetry Slam, Creative Writing, Model United Nations, Sports Quiz and Anicon, the festival’s annual anime competition, alongside events such as Symphony, Junoon, Mayanagari, Disenador and Surrealism. The evening will feature Roots, LED Dance and the Duet Finale, a beatboxing competition judged by Delhi-based performer Kunal Grover, known as Kunal BBX. Bollywood Night will headline the day’s programme.

October 31 will feature finals and showcases across dance, music, theatre and literature, including Estampie Finals, Nrityangana, Synchronicity, Stage Play Finals, Monoact and Aamne Samne. Other events will include Debate, Just a Minute, Word Game, India Quiz, Mela Quiz, Drishtikon, Fashion Geek, Japanese Quilling, Sangam and Tour De Force. The Ritambhara Finale will see finalist teams present their collections before a jury comprising Ayeesha Aiman, Miss India International 2015 and actor in Inspector Avinash; Karan Oberoi, singer and actor associated with A Band of Boys; and model and actor Rashalika Sabharwal. Comic Kaun will provide a platform for stand-up comedians to showcase their performances and will be judged by Krishna Pandey, winner of Season 3 of TechLOLogy Superstars. The day will also feature preliminary rounds of DJ Wars, followed by Hip-Hop Night and Prom Night.

The festival will conclude on November 1 and will feature the final rounds of competitions, including Nukkad Finals, Jitterbug Finale, Antaragni Idol Finals, Pair on Stage and Acappella. Other events will include Debate, Helm Quiz, Movies/Web Series Quiz, Scrabble, Turncoat, Mimica, Kavyanjali, Battle of Art and Mandala Art. Kahani Screening will showcase filmmaking entries, with the films and photography competitions judged by documentary photographer Vicky Roy, a Forbes Asia 30 Under 30 honouree, and screenwriter and filmmaker Triparna Banerjee. The festival will conclude with the Color Run and Fusion Night.

In its 61st year, Antaragni stands not only as a testament to IIT Kanpur’s vibrant cultural heritage but also as a prism for a new generation - where every voice finds its colour, every rule is open to question, and every artist is free to shine.

About IIT Kanpur

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, is recognised as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India. Renowned for excellence in science, engineering, and interdisciplinary education, IIT Kanpur spans a 1,050-acre lush green campus and comprises 21 departments, 27 centres, three interdisciplinary programmes, and three specialised schools. With over 580 faculty members and more than 9,500 students, the institute continues to lead in innovation, research, and holistic development.

For more information, please visit: www.iitk.ac.in