Patna: IIT Patna on Friday inaugurated its annual technical festival, Celesta 2026, marking the occasion with the traditional lighting of a ceremonial lamp. The opening ceremony drew students, faculty members and invited guests, setting the tone for a three-day celebration of technology, innovation and student creativity.
The festival was formally inaugurated by Group Captain Angad Pratap of the Indian Air Force, who has been selected for India’s first human spaceflight mission under the Gaganyaan programme. His presence lent national significance to the event, linking student innovation with India’s growing ambitions in science and space exploration.
Addressing the gathering, Group Captain Pratap urged students to move beyond textbook knowledge and engage deeply with research and development. He underlined the role of self-reliant and innovative youth in building a strong nation, stressing that scientific curiosity and problem-solving skills were essential for both societal progress and national growth.
The inaugural day witnessed enthusiastic participation from students in a range of technical competitions, including Robo Soccer, Death Race, Aerosprint, LFR Micromouse and the Kepler Maze. The events showcased hands-on engineering skills and teamwork, drawing large crowds across the campus.
The ceremony was attended by Prof Jimson Mathew, Dean of Student Affairs, Dr Arpit Jain, Faculty in Charge of Technical Activities, and festival coordinators Ananta Nanda and Abhitesh Shukla, along with a large number of students, highlighting the strong institutional support for Celesta 2026.
