IIT Guwahati has announced the 30th edition of Alcheringa, its annual cultural festival, which will be held from 29 January to 1 February 2026. Branded as Alcheringa 2026 – The Pearl Edition, the event marks three decades of the festival’s presence on the national cultural calendar.
Over the past 30 years, Alcheringa has grown into a large-scale cultural platform that brings together participants from across India, with a focus on artistic performances, competitions, and creative exchange. According to the organisers, the 2026 edition is intended to reflect on this journey while continuing to adapt to contemporary forms of expression.
The theme for 2026, titled 'Grand Shuffle', centres on the idea of cultural evolution. It is positioned as a blend of traditional and modern forms, bringing together classical practices and contemporary popular culture. The theme is expected to be reflected across performances, competitions, installations, and interactive experiences during the four-day event.
Competitions remain a central component of Alcheringa. The 2026 edition will introduce new formats and expand participation, including entries from Nepal. New additions include Headline Hustle, a journalism competition focused on speed and storytelling, and Alcher Frame, an offline photography competition centred on real-time visual narratives. The festival’s fashion event, Haute Couture, will be held at the Alcheringa Ground Main Stage.
The festival’s outreach programme, Highway to Alcher, has also been expanded this year. Organisers said the initiative covered twenty venues across the country and engaged more than one lakh students, with the aim of widening access to the festival’s platforms.
As part of the scheduled pro nights, a Bollywood Night on 1 February 2026 will feature singer Shaan. The organisers stated that additional performers will be announced closer to the event.
During the festival, the IIT Guwahati campus will host a range of activities, including dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. The programme is expected to feature both folk traditions and experimental formats.
Alcheringa 2026 will also include panel discussions and interactive sessions. Listed speakers include Acharya Prashant, Pooja Gor, Shourya Chakra awardees Kaushal Kashyap and Kaushalendra Singh, and Abhishek Singh, a former IAS officer and Advisor to the Governor of West Bengal. These sessions are planned around themes of culture, creativity, and contemporary thought.
The organisers said the festival will continue its focus on inclusivity and community engagement through workshops and awareness initiatives.
Speaking on behalf of the organising team, Swagatam Bhattacherjee said, “The Pearl Edition has been envisioned as a celebration that transcends generations. Alcheringa 2026 brings together people from all walks of life, celebrating creativity, diversity, and cultural heritage while embracing modern artistic expression. This year’s festival is a grand shuffle of tradition and contemporary culture.”
The event will be held at IIT Guwahati from 29 January to 1 February 2026. Alcheringa cards are available on the festival’s official website.
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