Patna: The two-day festival brought together students from leading institutions across India for competitions spanning business strategy, debate and the arts.
UDBHAV 2026, the annual cultural and management festival hosted by the Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna, concluded on Saturday after two days of competitions, performances and academic exchange in Patna.
Organised by students of the institute, the festival ran from February 27 to 28 and drew participation from universities and colleges across the country. The event sought to blend management education with cultural expression, offering a platform for business contests alongside artistic showcases.
The opening ceremony was attended by A.K. Mohanty, managing director of Tatwa Technologies Ltd, who declared the festival open. He was joined by senior members of the institute’s leadership, including Kumod Kumar, chief administrative officer; Prof Rajasshrie Pillai, assistant dean; and Prof Ranjit Tiwari, chairperson of UDBHAV. In his address, Mohanty underscored the importance of innovation, technological adaptability and entrepreneurial leadership in shaping future management professionals.
Day One: Business Quiz and Cultural Showcases
The first day began at the institute’s auditorium with a formal inauguration, followed by a series of competitions including a talent hunt, photography contest, street theatre (nukkad natak), solo and group dance performances, and a business quiz held in preliminary and final rounds. A poetry session (kavi sammelan) also featured on the programme.
The business quiz attracted strong participation and audience engagement, while cultural performances addressed social themes through music, dance and theatre.
Day Two: Entrepreneurship and Debate
Events on the second day included a “Best from Waste” competition, singing contest, debate, business plan (B-Plan) competition, ethnic fashion showcase and a battle of the bands. The B-Plan contest highlighted student-led entrepreneurial ideas, with teams presenting proposals to a panel, while the debate competition tested participants’ analytical and public speaking skills.
Participation From Across India
Institutions represented at the festival included the Indian Institute of Management Rohtak, Indian Institute of Technology BHU, Chandigarh University, Amity University Patna, Chanakya National Law University and the Birla Institute of Technology, Patna, among others.
Students from several Patna-based colleges also took part, contributing to a broad mix of managerial and cultural entries.
Valedictory Ceremony
The closing ceremony was attended by Viney Kumar, director general of police, Bihar, along with Dr Rana Singh, director of the institute, Kumod Kumar and Prof Ranjit Tiwari. Addressing students, Kumar spoke about integrity, leadership and the role of young professionals in nation-building.
Awards and certificates were distributed to winners and participants across categories, recognising performance in both managerial and cultural events.
Organisers said the festival reflected the institute’s emphasis on holistic education by combining management training with creative engagement, positioning UDBHAV as a platform for collaboration and student-led initiative.
