Festember 2024: A Golden Celebration of Culture and Talent

The 50th edition of Festember, the annual cultural extravaganza of the National Institute of Technology, Trichy, concluded with great fanfare from September 26th to 29th, 2024. This milestone edition of Festember began on an optimistic note, with the inaugural ceremony on Day Zero graced by the presence of esteemed guests such as the Director of NIT Trichy, Ms. G. Aghila; Mr. Gurumurthy Kalyanaram, a member of Festember’s founding batch; and Chief Guest Mr. S. Selvakumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law & Order), Trichy City.

The opening ceremony was a journey down memory lane, filled with nostalgic recollections of Festember’s humble beginnings, its evolution over the past five decades, and its promising future. The ceremony concluded with an electrifying performance by NIT Trichy's Dance and Music Troupe, setting the tone for the vibrant festivities.

Festember’s first day witnessed a flurry of activity, with competitions kicking off across various clusters. The Literature cluster began early with its mind-boggling quizzes, while the Music and Dance clusters saw fierce competition as participants showcased their talent on stage. Around the campus, arts enthusiasts turned walls into masterpieces, while photography buffs immortalized these moments in time. Meanwhile, the Dramatics cluster infused life into original stories, while gamers battled it out in virtual arenas.

The highlight of Day 1 was an adrenaline-pumping EDM Night, featuring a headlining performance by DJ Holy C, leaving the audience in high spirits.

With no time to rest, organizers worked tirelessly to prepare for an eventful Day 2. Competitions resumed, and new events added fresh excitement, including the much-anticipated Major’s Golden Jubilee Quiz. Workshops in Tanjore painting, perfume-making, and jewelry-making engaged participants in hands-on learning experiences.

Guest lectures by renowned personalities such as actress Gouri Kishan, filmmaker Mari Selvaraj, the CEO of Wysa, and the cast of Vettiyan provided students with invaluable insights and inspiration. The day ended on a serene note with a captivating performance by The Lost Fireflies during Fusion Nite, leaving the audience mesmerized.

As the festival neared its conclusion, anticipation reached its peak on the penultimate day. Participants gave their all to secure victory in various competitions, and the prestigious titles of Mr. and Ms. Festember were awarded to the standout talents. The winners of major events like Choreonite and Gigahertz were also announced during the valedictory ceremony.

Throughout the day, the atmosphere across the campus—from the Barn to the CEESAT grounds—was electric, with crowds enjoying the colorful ambience and the variety of food stalls. The joy and satisfaction of the teams that worked tirelessly to make this golden edition of Festember a success were palpable in the air.

The 50th edition of Festember, aptly named "The Deccan Odyssey," came to a spectacular close with a breathtaking performance by renowned singer Karthik. His music stirred the crowd, leaving everyone swaying to the rhythm of eclectic emotions as the festival reached its crescendo.

As the sun set on this year’s Festember, it dawned on a new era—one filled with the memories of a truly unforgettable cultural festival. The legacy of Festember lives on, shining brighter than ever as we look forward to the many festivals yet to come.