Patna : The campus of the Birla Institute of Technology (BIT), Patna, came alive with music, dance, literature and cultural performances on Saturday as the institute’s cultural committee, Pratibimb, inaugurated its annual cultural festival, ‘Jhalak 2026’.
The festival provided a platform for students to showcase their artistic abilities, celebrate Indian cultural heritage and explore creative expression beyond academics. Performances ranged from traditional folk music to contemporary presentations, with participation from students across different academic years.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp in the presence of BIT Patna Director Dr D.K. Mallik, Pratibimb faculty in-charge Dr Sheel Shalini, mentors Dr Premlata Singh and Dr Nayer Iqbal, and Student Activity Coordinator Dr Prakash Srivastava.
Assistant Registrar Dr Trisha Kumar, Chief Warden Dr Abhinav Shandilya, Dr Ashish Mohan Dubey, and Pratibimb general secretaries Prithu Dutt and Nidhi Sinha were also present.
Pratibimb’s Annual Magazine Released
Following the inaugural ceremony, the institute’s dignitaries released Pratibimb’s annual magazine, highlighting the committee’s literary and creative activities.
The publication marked an effort to encourage students to express their ideas, showcase their writing and contribute to the institute’s cultural life.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Sheel Shalini appreciated the students’ efforts and emphasised that education extends beyond academic achievements. She said art, culture, literature and creative expression are essential components of students’ overall development.
She encouraged students to showcase their talents, explore new opportunities and contribute to preserving and advancing the institute’s cultural traditions.
Chhath Songs Highlight Bihar’s Folk Heritage
Cultural performances began with a prayer to Lord Ganesha, followed by presentations celebrating different artistic forms.
Chhath songs were a key highlight of the festival, bringing Bihar’s folk traditions, faith and cultural heritage to the stage. The performances offered a glimpse of the cultural significance of Chhath, one of the state’s most widely celebrated festivals.
The programme also featured solo singing, group music, classical dance and group dance, providing students with opportunities to present a variety of musical and performance traditions.
Poetry recitations and shayari allowed participants to express their thoughts and emotions, while a comedy skit added humour and entertainment to the programme.
The diversity of performances reflected the festival’s emphasis on bringing traditional cultural forms and contemporary student expression together on a common platform.
Theme Reveal Adds To Jhalak 2026 Celebrations
The festival also featured a theme reveal as part of its programme. Students from the first year through the senior batches participated in the celebrations, making the event a shared platform for creativity across academic levels.
Through music, dance, literature and theatre, participants showcased their interests and artistic abilities before fellow students and institute representatives.
The programme encouraged students to build confidence, explore their talents and engage with the institute’s cultural activities beyond the classroom.
BIT Patna Celebrates Creativity Beyond Academics
Jhalak 2026 highlighted the role of cultural festivals in campus life, offering students opportunities to develop their artistic interests alongside their academic pursuits.
Organised by Pratibimb, the festival brought together different forms of creative expression and underscored the importance of cultural awareness in higher education.
The combination of Chhath songs, dance, poetry, music and theatre made the event a celebration of student talent and Bihar’s cultural identity.
With its performances and annual magazine release, Jhalak 2026 marked a significant occasion in BIT Patna’s cultural calendar, bringing students together through art, tradition and youthful enthusiasm.
