- ‘Hues of Heritage’ theme reimagines India’s cultural legacy through art, sound, ideas and immersive experiences
- Three-day cultural confluence blends pro-night concerts, speaker sessions, workshops and national competitions
- From Ritviz to Raftaar, Javed Ali to Gaur Gopal Das, festival bridges youth energy with timeless wisdom
- Workshops, informal games and Army weapon display draw over 1,000 participants from across the country
- Chaos 2026 reinforces IIMA’s vision of culture as a catalyst for creativity, reflection and community
NE EDUTAINMENT BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, JAN 20
The 31st edition of Chaos, the annual cultural festival of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), unfolded as a vibrant, multi-sensory celebration of India’s cultural heritage, contemporary creativity and youthful expression, transforming the iconic campus into a living, breathing cultural arena.
Held from January 16 to 18, 2026, Chaos 2026 revolved around the evocative theme ‘Hues of Heritage’, reinterpreting India’s rich traditions through music, art, dialogue, competition and experiential learning. Heritage-inspired installations, thoughtfully curated décor and campus-wide activities created a seamless blend of the classical and the contemporary, drawing students and visitors from across the country.
A Ceremonial Beginning Rooted in Tradition
The festival formally commenced on January 15 with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony at the iconic Louis Kahn Plaza, setting a reflective tone for the celebrations ahead. The ceremony was led by Prof. Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIMA, along with Prof. Balagopal Gopalakrishnan and Prof. Amit Karna.
The inaugural evening transitioned into a soulful cultural experience with a Sufi performance by Munaf Luhar, whose evocative melodies resonated across the campus, offering a serene yet celebratory prelude to three days of artistic vibrancy.
Pro-Nights that Set the Pulse of Chaos 2026
Music formed the heartbeat of Chaos 2026, with carefully curated pro-night performances spanning genres and generations. The musical journey began on January 16 with Ritviz, whose genre-defying soundscape—blending Indian classical elements with electronic music—captivated the audience.
The energy surged on January 17 as Raftaar, rapper and music composer, delivered a high-octane performance marked by lyrical intensity and commanding stage presence. The night extended with DJ Ravator, whose electrifying electronic sets kept the crowd engaged well into the night.
Chaos 2026 concluded on a soulful note on January 18, with playback singer Javed Ali delivering an emotionally rich performance that served as a fitting finale to the festival’s musical narrative.
Ideas that Resonated Beyond the Stage
Complementing the performances, speaker sessions at Chaos 2026 offered spaces for introspection, dialogue and inspiration, engaging audiences on themes of mental well-being, cultural identity, leadership and resilience.
On January 16, Gaur Gopal Das, monk, author and global public speaker, addressed the challenges of placement anxiety and everyday stress faced by students and young professionals. Emphasising the value of friendships and support systems, he spoke about the role of trusted companions in rediscovering motivation during difficult phases. He encouraged practices such as journaling and open conversations to manage overthinking and urged the audience to focus on self-improvement rather than external validation.
Senior Advocate and author Jai Sai Deepak, speaking on January 17, reflected on cultural identity and value systems in global professional environments. Drawing on the concept of Dharma, he explained the interconnectedness of theology, culture and politics, noting how theology shapes culture, which in turn influences political thought.
On January 18, corporate leader Balu Nayar shared insights on entrepreneurship and leadership, underscoring the importance of clarity of purpose, resilience and adaptability. He highlighted that successful ventures begin with a clear understanding of the problem being addressed and evolve through persistence.
Workshops, Competition and Campus-wide Energy
Chaos 2026 extended beyond stages and auditoriums through a rich array of hands-on workshops, transforming the campus into a hub of experiential learning. Sessions ranged from ‘A Day at IIM Ahmedabad’ to Coffee and Mocktail Mastery, Baking, Spray Painting, Dye It Yourself, Cinema and Storytelling, and Taekwondo, offering participants opportunities to explore creativity, skill-building and well-being.
The festival’s informal events brought a new dimension of engagement, with activities such as FIFA, Body Zorbing, Air Hockey and Darts drawing enthusiastic participation. The debut Box Cricket tournament emerged as a major crowd-puller, while a weapon display by the Indian Army on January 17 became a standout attraction, offering insights into modern battlefield equipment and drawing large crowds.
Over 1,000 participants engaged in competitions and informal events across the three days, reinforcing Chaos’s reputation as a festival that thrives on participation and inclusivity.
A Celebration of Culture, Community and Creativity
Backed by leading brands and enriched by diverse engagements, Chaos 2026 once again reaffirmed IIMA’s cultural festival as a platform where heritage meets innovation, and youthful energy finds meaningful expression. By seamlessly blending art, music, ideas and community spirit, the festival stood out as a compelling celebration of India’s evolving cultural narrative.
