IIT Bombay’s annual student festival, Mood Indigo, holds a special place in the hearts of alumni, young and old. Since its inception, Mood Indigo has been more than just a cultural festival—it’s a cherished tradition, sparking countless memories of late-night rehearsals, electrifying performances, and a sense of camaraderie that transcended academic boundaries. For many, the festival remains a vivid reminder of their days on campus, a celebration of creativity, and a connection to IIT Bombay’s vibrant spirit.

The 2024 edition of Mood Indigo, held on December 25-26, 2024, was no exception. As Asia’s largest college cultural festival, this year’s event embraced the theme ‘Enigma of Ethnicity,’ transforming the campus into a lively mosaic of colors, traditions, and exuberance. The festivities began at midnight with a heartwarming cake-cutting ceremony by the core group members, setting an exhilarating tone for two unforgettable days.

Over the course of the festival, several significant cultural events captivated audiences:

–  Renowned actor Sonu Sood graced the occasion, while singer Stebin Ben unveiled a song from his upcoming movie Fateh.
–  Actors Sharib Hashmi and Anupriya Goenka shared their industry insights during an interactive session.
–  Stand-up comedian Harsh Gujral had the crowd roaring with laughter, while actors Abhay Verma, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Nitanshi Goel engaged in a lively panel discussion on their journeys in entertainment.

The festival’s musical lineup was equally dazzling:

–  Indian artist Shubham Kabra and Norwegian DJ Toddla infused global sounds, energizing the audience.
–  Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor charmed food enthusiasts with a live culinary demonstration, and veteran actress and folk singer Ila Arun celebrated India’s musical heritage with a soulful performance.
–  The first night culminated in a spectacular concert by Armaan Malik, preceded by the Kerala-based band When Chai Met Toast, whose heartfelt melodies resonated with the audience.

Day two brought more magic:

–  Comedy and music collided with comedian Biswa Kalyan Rath and singer-songwriter Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, followed by Amit Trivedi, who headlined the International Music Festival.
–  Actor Aparshakti Khurana brought wit and charm to the Talk Show Panel, while the evening reached a thrilling crescendo with a Raftaar Concert featuring Karaan Kanchan, surprise guest musical icon Shekher, and budding artist 99side from MTV Hustle.

Beyond the performances, Mood Indigo offered other myriad experiences:

–  Cosplay enthusiasts brought characters to life, while the Nightlife Zone buzzed with Silent Disco, Bonfire Sessions, Open Mic Nights, and Speed Dating.
–  The Indigo Flea Market showcased handmade crafts and performances, adding vibrancy to the festivities.
–  Competitions like Mantra Semi-Finals (Battle of the Bands), Mi-Idols Semi-Finals (Hindi Solo Singing), and creative events such as Turn-It-To-Art Finals (Junk Art) highlighted the exceptional talent present at the festival.

As the curtain fell on Mood Indigo 2024, alumni and students alike were reminded of the festival’s enduring legacy. For those who walked the same campus decades ago and those experiencing it for the first time, Mood Indigo continues to be a cultural cornerstone, binding generations with shared memories and an unyielding spirit of celebration.

With record-breaking participation this year, the anticipation for Mood Indigo 2025 has already begun, ensuring that this cherished tradition remains etched in the hearts of all IIT Bombay alumni.