Grand Opening of Virasat Festival 2026 at IIT Roorkee Celebrates India’s Cultural Heritage

Roorkee, Uttarakhand, January 22, 2026: The historic campus of the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, one of India’s oldest and most prestigious institutions with a legacy spanning over 178 years, resonated with artistic splendour as Virasat Festival 2026 was inaugurated with grandeur. Organised by the SPIC MACAY IIT Roorkee Chapter, Virasat’26 is a seven-day celebration dedicated to India’s rich classical arts, cultural traditions, and timeless heritage.
 
The inaugural evening featured a mesmerising Mohiniyattam performance by Dr. Deepti Omchery Bhalla, a distinguished exponent, scholar, and guru of Indian classical dance. Known for her refined technique and profound expressiveness, Dr. Bhalla’s performance beautifully embodied the lyrical grace and storytelling tradition of Kerala, captivating the audience and setting an inspiring tone for the festival.
 
Dr. Deepti Omchery Bhalla is a leading authority in Mohiniyattam with over four and a half decades of contribution as a performer, researcher, academician, and mentor. A senior professor of Karnatak Music and former Dean and Head of the Department of Music at the University of Delhi, she is an ‘A’ grade artiste of All India Radio, an ‘Outstanding’ empanelled artiste of ICCR, and a top-graded Doordarshan performer. Trained rigorously in Kathakali and Mohiniyattam under legendary gurus, she has played a pivotal role in expanding the Mohiniyattam repertoire through scholarly research and choreography. Her work has been widely recognised by national and international cultural institutions.
 
The inauguration was graced by Prof. Barjeev Tyagi, Dean of Students’ Welfare, IIT Roorkee; Prof. Pradeep Kumar Jha, Assistant Dean of Students’ Welfare; and Prof. Ram Manohar Singh, Faculty Advisor, SPIC MACAY IIT Roorkee Chapter, who expressed their enthusiasm for the cultural journey ahead and reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to holistic student development through arts and culture.
 
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Barjeev Tyagi, Dean of Students’ Welfare, IIT Roorkee, said, “Virasat is a celebration of India’s living heritage and an essential platform for nurturing creativity, emotional balance, and cultural sensitivity among students. Through festivals like Virasat, IIT Roorkee strives to integrate academic excellence with cultural and mental well-being.”
 
Sharing her reflections after the performance, Dr. Deepti Omchery Bhalla remarked, “Indian classical art forms are not merely performances; they are pathways to inner harmony and collective well-being. It is heartening to see young minds at IIT Roorkee engaging so deeply with our cultural traditions.”
As the first event of Virasat’26, the Mohiniyattam recital created an atmosphere of inspiration and anticipation among students, faculty, and guests for the days ahead.
 
“At IIT Roorkee, we believe that academic excellence is deeply complemented by cultural awareness and emotional well-being. Initiatives such as Virasat provide our students with a meaningful engagement with India’s rich artistic heritage, fostering creativity, balance, and a deeper connection with our civilisational values,” said Prof. K. K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee.
 
Virasat Festival 2026 carries the central message of promoting mental well-being through Indian classical art forms, underscoring their relevance across generations. The festival features an enriching line-up including Hindustani vocal concerts by Pt. Bholanath Mishra Ji, Gurbani by Dr. Alankar Singh, Qawwali by the Rampur Warsi Brothers, and hands-on workshops in Kathak, Hindustani vocals, and Bagh Print, along with a screening of Charlie Chaplin’s classic film City Lights.
 
With events scheduled from 21 to 28 January 2026, Virasat’26 promises to be a profound cultural journey celebrating India’s artistic diversity, spiritual depth, and enduring heritage.