CHENNAI

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras witnessed a historic cultural milestone this week as it hosted its first-ever campus Durga Puja celebrations. Organized by the IIT Madras Bengali community in association with Diganto, the five-day festivities successfully brought the vibrant traditions and cultural spirit of Bengal into the heart of the institute.

Spanning from Sasthi evening to Vijaya Dashami, the celebrations transformed the IIT Madras Community Hall into a hub of devotion, heritage, and community bonding. The event featured traditional rituals, including Vedic chanting, Homam, and Arati, creating an authentic festive atmosphere for students, faculty, staff, and campus families.

In a powerful display of community leadership and inclusivity, IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti actively participated in the rituals, personally chanting chapters from the Durga Saptashati. His involvement underscored the institute’s commitment to celebrating diverse cultural traditions and fostering a welcoming environment for everyone on campus.

Drawing over 2,500 attendees so far, the grand celebration welcomed not only campus residents but also visitors from across Chennai. Organisers noted that the overwhelming turnout reflects the inclusive and vibrant spirit of the IIT Madras community.

As the festivities culminate, the inaugural Durga Puja has set a joyful precedent for cultural celebrations on campus, successfully uniting diverse groups through shared traditions, warmth, and devotion.

Promotional | NEIR Teacher Excellence Award