Majhitar: The annual cultural festival Kaalrav 2026 of Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT) concluded after three days of cultural celebrations, competitions and performances at the institute’s campus in Majhitar, Sikkim.
Held from March 6 to March 8, the festival brought together around 500 participants from more than 10 colleges, who showcased their creativity and talent across a range of cultural and competitive events.
The festival was inaugurated by Gopalakrishna Prabhu, Vice Chancellor of Sikkim Manipal University, in the presence of faculty members, students and invited guests.
Welcoming the participants, Pankaj Chettri, Associate Director (Student Affairs) and chief coordinator of Kaalrav 2026, highlighted the role of such platforms in encouraging student creativity and engagement.
Sangeeta Jha, Director In-Charge of SMIT, also addressed the gathering and spoke about the importance of cultural activities in nurturing talent and fostering holistic student development.
The inaugural evening featured a cultural showcase that included traditional dances representing Bhutia, Lepcha and Nepali communities, along with performances such as Bihu and Maruni folk dances. The evening concluded with a live performance by Sikkimese artist Albert Kabo Lepcha.
The second day of the festival saw competitions including solo singing (Western), photography, face painting and solo dance, along with events such as Trifecta, a fashion show and a Battle of Bands contest. The evening concluded with a musical performance by artist Navjot Ahuja.
On the final day, events such as Rolling Frames, solo singing (Eastern), treasure hunt and Real Cricket were held. The cultural segment continued with solo dance performances and the Mr and Ms Kaalrav competition, where contestants displayed confidence, creativity and stage presence.
The festival concluded with a valedictory ceremony during which organisers congratulated participants and distributed certificates and prizes across more than 20 events held during the three-day festival.
The closing evening featured a live performance by playback singer Ash King, bringing the festival to a vibrant musical finale.
Organisers said the successful completion of Kaalrav 2026 reaffirmed its role as an important cultural platform for students from institutions across the region.