Kashiyatra, the annual socio-cultural festival of the Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi, is one of India’s most prominent college festivals. Kashiyatra is one of the largest socio-culture festivals in Asia where 360+ colleges/universities take part.
Culture is like a river—ever-flowing, ever-evolving, yet deeply connected to its roots. Kashiyatra 2025 proudly presents ‘Sanskriti Pravaah: The Cultural Heritage’, a celebration of the timeless heritage that has shaped civilizations and continues to inspire the future.
Key Highlights of Kashiyatra:
Diverse Competitions: The festival features a wide array of competitions, including dramatics (Abhinay), Indian and Western music (Bandish and Crosswindz), dance (Natraj), art (Toolika), literary events (Samwaad).
- Abhinay (dramatics competition) consists of stage plays, mono-acting, street-play and mimes.
- Bandish (Indian music competition) features singing competitions from across the country including contestants from popular reality shows such as “Indian Idol” and “Sa Re Ga Ma Pa”. It encompasses solo, duet and group performance of light and classical Indian and Western vocals.
- Crosswindz (rock music competition) fuses an Inter-College Rock Rock Festival with a Professional Rock Band as the final act. In the past, Crosswindz has seen performances such as Parikrama, Indian Ocean, Orange Street etc.
- Enquizta (quiz competition) consists of multiple quizzes. It has hosted some of India’s largest quizzes over the years with participation in excess of 5000, by prominent quizmasters such as Vikram Joshi.
- Mirage (fashion competition)
- Natraj (dance competition) comprises solo, duo and group performances.
- Toolika (art competition) comprises sculptures, paintings on canvas, mehendi, tattoo and rangoli-making.
- Samwaad (literary competition) comprises debates, extempore speeches, just-a-minute, poetry, and storytelling events.
- Zaika (cooking competition) Zaika is a culinary competition with Tag Team and Cook-Off, where participants showcase their cooking skills.
Collaborations: The festival often collaborates with other IITs and renowned institutions, adding to its grandeur and making it a national-level event.
Celebrity Performances: Kashiyatra has hosted performances by renowned artists such as Lucky Ali, Javed Ali, Darshan raval, Anubhav Singh Bassi,Vishal-Sheykhar, Raftaar; Indian Ocean, and Parikrama, among others.
Social Impact & Outreach: Kashiyatra is not just about fun and entertainment; it also focuses on social awareness. It conducts social campaigns, charity events, and initiatives aimed at contributing to the community.
Cultural Exchange: The festival serves as a platform for students to showcase their talents, engage in cultural exchange, and interact with peers from various institutions.
Kashiyatra at IIT BHU is a vibrant and dynamic celebration of culture, creativity, and youthful spirit. It serves as a platform for students to showcase their talents, while also promoting collaboration, learning, and social awareness. With its rich history, diverse events, and participation from students across the nation, Kashiyatra has established itself as one of India’s largest and most anticipated cultural festivals. It not only provides entertainment but also fosters a sense of community and encourages students to explore their artistic and intellectual abilities. Ultimately, Kashiyatra is a reflection of the essence of IIT BHU—an institute that values both technical excellence and holistic development.
For the latest updates, visit the official Kashiyatra website: https://kashiyatra.org.
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