Guwahati: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati has announced the 30th edition of its iconic cultural festival, Alcheringa, scheduled to be held from January 29 to February 1, 2026. Marking three decades of artistic excellence, the upcoming edition has been titled “Alcheringa 2026 – The Pearl Edition.”
Celebrating 30 years of culture, creativity and expression, Alcheringa has grown into one of India’s largest and most influential cultural festivals. The Pearl Edition pays tribute to the festival’s rich legacy while embracing contemporary and experimental forms of artistic expression.
The theme for Alcheringa 2026, “Grand Shuffle,” reflects the evolving nature of culture, symbolising the fusion of tradition and modernity. Through performances, competitions, installations and immersive experiences, the festival will showcase how classical art forms blend seamlessly with modern pop culture and experimental creativity.
Competitions remain the heart of Alcheringa, providing a national platform for emerging talent. The 2026 edition introduces new competition formats and expanded participation, including artists from Nepal, further strengthening its international presence. New additions include Headline Hustle, a journalism competition focusing on speed and storytelling, and Alcher Frame, an offline photography contest based on real-time visual narratives. The flagship fashion event Haute Couture will be hosted at the Alcheringa Ground Main Stage.
As part of its outreach initiative Highway to Alcher, the festival expanded its reach to 20 venues across the country this year, engaging over one lakh students and ensuring wider access to the cultural platform.
Among the major attractions, Bollywood Night on February 1 will feature renowned singer Shaan, promising an evening of musical nostalgia and celebration. More star performances are expected to be announced soon.
Alcheringa 2026 will also host panel discussions and interactive sessions featuring notable speakers such as Acharya Prashant, Pooja Gor, Shourya Chakra awardees Kaushal Kashyap and Kaushalendra Singh, and Abhishek Singh, former IAS officer and Advisor to the Governor of West Bengal.
Speaking on the occasion, Alcheringa Team representative Swagatam Bhattacherjee said the Pearl Edition aims to connect generations by celebrating creativity, diversity and cultural heritage while embracing modern expression.
The four-day festival will be held at the IIT Guwahati campus. Entry cards are available on the official website alcheringa.iitg.ac.in.
As Alcheringa steps into its fourth decade, the Pearl Edition promises a vibrant, inclusive and unforgettable cultural celebration.
