Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IITG) Celebrates Alcheringa 2016

Alcheringa comes back with a bang!!! The Annual cultural fest of Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati (IITG) is a one of its kind event and needs no introduction. More than a fest, as claimed by IITians (Guwahati), Alcheringa is a much awaited ritual that needs to be practiced towards the end of January every year by the Guwahati IITians.

With more than 4000 students coming from 400 colleges to participate in over 70 events, with local and international rock bands entertaining the audience with their jaw-dropping performances, crowd cheering, the fest proved to be a huge success this year too. Inaugurated in 1996, Alcheringa has been stealing the show since its inception and has gone on to become one of the biggest college level cultural events in Asia. Spread over 3 days and 4 nights, it attracts people from all over the world offering a plethora of spectacular events and competitions in various genres like:

• Dance & Music
• Drama
• Fashion
• Fine Arts
• Literature
• Games

Be it Rock shows, ramp walk competition, games, quizzes, every event had its own charm. A platform for local and international talents, Alcheringa, not only is locally popular, but has its spread worldwide. Budding artists from various genres with varied interests extolled their euphoria, in this popular IIT Guwahati event this year.

The four-day cultural extravaganza, Alcheringa, started on January 28 and continued till January 2016 with people coming from all over the world to attend it. Featuring many shows and performances by artists from all around the globe, the event boasted of some very big names in the Music industry.

Music Scene:

Amongst the audience were young students from various colleges of Guwahati, music lovers from all over North-East and different cities of India and abroad. Among the participants were Finnish Folk Metal Giants Korpiklaani which brought the head bangers together enthralling them with their trademark style that included native Samic music elements, Shamanic Drums and Joik Singing on the final night of Juggernaut, the Rock Band Night. Among other popular competitions, was Rock-o-Phonix, one of India’s best rock music contests that had some of the most talented rock bands from all over India The dance module comprised Electric Heels, the prestigious group dance competition, which brought all the freestylers together battling out their victory.

Gamescape:

The theme for this edition of Alcheringa 'Gamescape' focused on life as a game, wherein the real and the virtual worlds are interwined. Along with entertainment, Alcheringa’16 came up with many social initiatives including the “IITG Model United Nations”, where students get to work like UN delegates, “North-East Unveiled” an initiative to help promote North East India and “Udaan”, a social initiative to help children.

The Events:

• Dance
• Music
• Literary
• Mystery Box
• Quiz
• Sports
• Performing Arts
• Fine Arts
• Digital Arts
• Class Apart

Several events were organised under these categories wherein participants from various colleges took part. Alcheringa every year features 4 enthralling pro-nights that encompass every genre – The Classical night: Saaz, Rock night: Juggernaut, Bollywood night: Crescendo and the Surprise night: Biltzkrieg.

The first night of Saaz, the Classical Music Night, showcased Brothers Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan, the 7th Generation of a legendary musical lineage and the sons and disciples of Sarod Maestro Amjad Ali Khan.

The Second Night of Blitzkrieg, the EDM Night, kept the audience on their feet, witnessing the timeless prodigy of renowned artists Dualist Inquiry and Sandunes. In addition to that, combining genres like Rock, Dubstep, Lounge and Garage with an Electronic twist had the audience rock.

The ever lively King Mika Singh, the Bollywood Singer, songwriter cum composer starred in Crescendo, the Bollywood Night to mesmerize the crowd with his hit numbers.

Alcheringa’ 16 witnessed a footfall of 70000 people, 4000 students coming from 400 colleges to participate in over 70 events battling for a prize money worth 11 lakhs.

Amongst the sponsors were Wipro as its Title Sponsor, Buddy as its Co-Sponsor, Hero as its Driven By Partner, NERIM as its Powered By Partner, Reserve Bank Of India, State Bank Of India, Ola, Maybelline, Godrej Interio, Prag News, Rengoni, Pop Tales, Wink Music, Air Asia and many more.

Being one of the biggest cultural fests in India, Alcheringa received extensive coverage by newspapers, TV channels and other media. With various food stalls and joints filled with delicious snacks, meals and beverages, the event provided a one-stop festival experience for all.

The Grand Finale of Mr. and Ms. Alcheringa was judged by Sahil Khattar and Ayushman Gupta from Being Indian.

Experiencing the eternal dreamtime, the audience sure had rocking memories to take back home this Alcheringa.

Source: Darshana, City Journalist - Guwahati, CollegeDekho