Saarang 2026: Tradition Reimagined | Beyond Realms
After more than five decades of cultural stewardship, Saarang 2026 marks the strategic resurgence of one of India’s most enduring youth-led platforms. Hosted at Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Saarang’s 52nd edition—themed Beyond Realms—positions itself at the intersection of legacy and future-forward creativity.
India’s largest cultural festival celebrating arts, music, and performance since 1974 – SAARANG IIT MADRAS
Since 1974, Saarang has scaled from a campus celebration into a nationally benchmarked cultural phenomenon. The 2026 edition accelerates that trajectory with a robust programming mix spanning music, dance, fashion, theatre, gaming, and visual arts—engineered for scale, reach, and impact.
Scale & Strategic Impact
-
80,000+ anticipated footfall
-
500+ colleges participating nationwide
-
One of India’s largest student-run cultural festivals
-
Hosted in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India (12.9916° N, 80.2337° E)
Signature Competitive Showcases
💃 Saarang ’26 Choreo Night
A national convergence of elite dance crews—jump styles, breakdance, and narrative choreography—delivering a high-velocity evening of movement and storytelling.
👑 Face of Saarang 2026
Theme: Glamour · Style · Confidence
-
Prize Pool: ₹50,000+
-
200+ expected participants
A marquee fashion and runway competition spotlighting charisma, presence, and aesthetic authority before a live audience of thousands.
🎸 Decibels – Battle of the Bands
Saarang’s western music flagship—English-dominant performances spanning online eliminations and live IIT Madras finals.
-
Prize Pool: ₹50,000
-
Built to surface emerging bands with commercial-stage readiness.
Why Saarang 2026 Matters
-
Heritage-led credibility with contemporary execution
-
Student-driven excellence at national scale
-
Platform-first approach for emerging talent
-
Cross-genre cultural ROI—music, fashion, performance, and youth engagement
Saarang 2026: Beyond Realms is not merely a festival—it’s a legacy brand activating the next generation of cultural leadership.
Venue: IIT Madras, Chennai
Month: January 2026
Registrations: Open across events
Performance Schedule Saarang 2026
| Date | Day | Performer | Genre | Performance Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Jan 2026 | Saturday | Viola | EDM | High-octane EDM set featuring pulsating beats, electrifying drops, and an immersive arena-scale dance experience |
| 10 Jan 2026 | Saturday | Angemi | EDM | Festival-grade electronic music with explosive buildups and massive drops designed for peak crowd energy |
| 10 Jan 2026 | Saturday | Brodha V | Hip Hop / EDM | Hard-hitting live performance blending sharp lyricism, heavy bass, and commanding stage presence |
| 11 Jan 2026 | Sunday | Avial | Rock / Alternative | Raw, genre-defying rock performance with powerful riffs and authentic live energy |
| 12 Jan 2026 | Friday | Sid Sriram | Melodic / Indian Contemporary | Soulful, emotionally charged concert redefining contemporary Indian live music |
HOW TO REACH?
➤Nearest airport: Chennai Intl. Airport (12 km, ~30 mins by cab)
➤Nearest railway station: Chennai Central (13 km, 30–40 mins via cab/metro)
➤Nearest metro: Little Mount (4 km, 10–15 mins by auto)
➤City buses available from major stops to IIT Madras campus












eticket –
Best Event from IITM
Tixora –
IIT Rocks