Grand Opening of Virasat Festival 2025 and Zonal Convention at IIT Roorkee

Roorkee, Januart 28, 2025: The historic halls of IIT Roorkee, one of India’s oldest and most prestigious institutions with a 178-year-long legacy of excellence, came alive as the Virasat Festival 2025 commenced with grandeur. Hosted by SPIC MACAY IIT Roorkee Chapter, the festival is a two-week-long celebration of India’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. The opening ceremony also marked the beginning of a three-day zonal convention designed to promote the timeless essence of India’s traditions.

The event’s highlight was a mesmerizing puppetry performance by Padma Shri awardee and renowned puppeteer Dadi Pudumjee. His artful presentation captivated the audience, embodying the power of storytelling through India’s traditional performing arts.

While inaugurating the festival, Dr. Kiran Seth, Founder of SPIC MACAY, joined National Chairperson R.M. Tiwari, Dean of Student Welfare (DoSW) Prof. Barjeev Tyagi, and Faculty Advisor Prof. Ram Manohar Singh in expressing their enthusiasm for the event.

The Director of IIT Roorkee, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, extended his support for the festival through a statement, "At IIT Roorkee, we take immense pride in fostering a vibrant platform for celebrating the cultural and artistic diversity of India. Virasat Festival reflects our commitment to holistic development by blending academics with the preservation of our rich heritage.”

Adding to the vibrant inaugural evening, Padma Shri Dadi Pudumjee shared his thoughts, "Through puppetry, I aim to connect generations with India’s folklore, traditions, and timeless narratives. Performing at IIT Roorkee, an institution steeped in heritage, adds a profound dimension to this art form.”

Dr. Kiran Seth, Founder of SPIC MACAY, shared his vision for the festival, "The true purpose of education is not just to impart knowledge but to create sensitive human beings who appreciate beauty, harmony, and the deeper values of life. Virasat is a step toward enriching young minds with the profound wisdom of India’s cultural and spiritual traditions. IIT Roorkee, with its long-standing legacy of academic excellence and holistic development, provides the perfect platform for such a celebration, fostering an environment where students can connect with both modern knowledge and timeless cultural values."

National Chairperson of SPIC MACAY, Mr. R.M. Tiwari, highlighted the significance of the event, "The Virasat Festival is a tribute to India's cultural brilliance, and IIT Roorkee’s active involvement reflects the synergy between our academic institutions and the preservation of heritage. It is inspiring to see young minds immersing themselves in our artistic and philosophical legacy."

The three-day zonal convention will immerse participants in yoga sessions, traditional craft workshops, shramdaan (community service), and interactive discussions, creating an ashram-like experience on campus. These activities embody SPIC MACAY’s vision of nurturing self-discovery and deeper connections with Indian philosophy and culture.

The inaugural event concluded with an air of inspiration as students, faculty, and guests eagerly anticipated the enriching cultural immersion that Virasat 2025 promises.

The Virasat’25 Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of India’s cultural diversity and rich heritage. From the captivating puppetry performance by Shri Dadi Pudumjee to the soulful Carnatic violin recital by Vidushi A. Kanyakumari, the festival offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the essence of India’s classical arts. The various workshops, including Tabla, Kuchipudi, and Mata Ni Pachedi, alongside thought-provoking movie screenings, talk sessions and a heritage walk, provide a comprehensive exploration of India’s artistic traditions. With events running from January 27 to February 9, 2025, Virasat’25 is set to be a remarkable journey through the country’s timeless cultural legacy.