Panache S16: A Grand Celebration of Culture, Creativity, and Unity

Once a student enters college, their life does not revolve around lectures, assignments, and exams; instead, their life takes a 360-degree turn. Why? This is because they get to experience things and events and create memories that stay with them forever. The Vivekananda Global University has organised an unforgettable event, Panache S16. It is the annual flagship cultural fest of Vivekananda Global University (VGU). Here, the university brought diverse cultures around the country under the same umbrella. Through this fest, the students got to experience the vibrant theme “One Stage, Many Stories.” During the event, along with the celebration of unity in diversity, the university also promoted cultural learning. It also brought together students, faculty, and staff in a shared spirit of creativity and joy.

From colorful cultural processions to artistic competitions and energetic performances, Panache S16 was more than just an event—it was a celebration of identity, talent, and togetherness.

The First Day: A Celebration of Heritage and Talent

The university is connected to its roots, and it can be observed more prominently by going through the first day of Panache S16, which dedicatedly celebrated the cultural richness of India. In this, the students belonging to the various departments of the university united to showcase not only their talent but also their understanding of various traditions and diversities.

All the various departments functioning in the Vivekananda Global University responsibly represented a particular state, highlighting all its unique cultural practices, authentic cuisines, attire, and traditions followed for ages now. This idea actually encouraged students to explore and learn about the various cultures present in our cultural roots, and through this, the students got the chance to appreciate the beauty of diversity.

The event was not competition-centric; instead, it was organized to make the new generation learn about the cultural roots and traditional practices. Along with the food habits and the linguistics used. 

The Inaugural Ceremony: A Promising Beginning

Every event is counted as successful if it is able to deliver an unforgettable beginning, and Panache S16 was able to do so. The inaugural ceremony was filled with excitement and anticipation as the event officially began in the morning at the VGU Technology Block Gate between 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM.

The celebration started with the soft launch of the official Panache S16 3D letter. This was done by Prof. (Dr.) N. D. Mathur, who is the President of the University. It was followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp along with Ganesh Vandana. This was done in order to bring the event to an extremely positive It also encourages knowledge and prosperity. To make the event successful, the students belonging to various departments gathered enthusiastically, bringing their own cultural essence and creative spirit. This act was not just about the start of the fest, but was considered the beginning of the journey of collaboration, expression, and celebration.

During the inaugural celebration, everyone present experienced a flow of energy irrespective of their academic backgrounds; everyone was united, which portrayed the theme of the festival, unity in diversity. 

Cultural Procession: A Walk Through India’s Diversity

The Cultural Procession was one of the key highlights of the festival. The event took place from Gate number 1 to the Cricket Ground near the Main Stage. Herein, the various departments were brought together under the same place where they depicted unity in diversity in terms of culture, traditional attire, music, and dance of the various states of India.

This first event of the festival was not just about walking; instead, it was about storytelling. With each step, the students left behind a story, traditions, cultures, and delight. The walk was vibrant and rhythmic, which represented the diversity of cultures and traditions. 

The experience was so holistic that the viewers got the experience of traveling across the nation while being a part of an event of VGU. The audience was so mesmerised by the atmosphere, which was filled with excitement, and the level of creativity and effort put in by every participant.

India in Attire: Fashion Meets Tradition

During the Panache S16, the students depicted cultural diversity by adopting the fashion sense of the different states of India through the India in Attire event. In this event, the students carried out a ramp walk, which ditched the modern trends and represented tradition, heritage, and identity. This event took place at the Cricket Ground between 11:30 AM to 01:45 PM.

The students who participated in this event walked the ramp wearing the traditional outfits representing various states of India. Every outfit worn by the students on the ramp told a story of history and customs.

This event was made all the more special and worth watching because of the enthusiasm and confidence the students brought to the ramp. The students, through their ramp walk, made the audience learn about the culture, tradition, and textile heritage with utmost grace and authenticity. 

Food Carnival: A Taste of India

At the Technology Block Lawns, between 01:45 PM to 03:30 PM, the Food Carnival happened. As the cultural fest or festival is considered to be incomplete if it does not offer various cuisines belonging to the different states of India. The Panache S16 has made sure to delight everyone’s taste buds with the Food Carnival.

The students of different departments united to set up stalls. These stalls represented the cuisines of different states of India. The menu was a complete roller coaster as the stalls offered a range of spicy street food to sweet delicacies.

By visiting these food stalls, the foodie head will definitely find peace and satisfaction in terms of taste and variety at the same location. Through this, the students and the foodie heads gained knowledge about learning about the different cultures through flavors. As in the festival, every prepared dish depicted a history, a culture, or a tradition attached to it. 

Faculty Ramp Walk: Breaking Barriers

At around 03:30 PM to 04:15 PM at the Cricket Ground, there were no students and no faculty. Through the cultural fest, the Faculty Ramp Walk was made possible. It was considered the key highlight of the event as it was refreshing to see teachers step out of their formal roles and join the celebration.

The members of the faculty were all decked up in their traditional attire and were made to walk through the ramp, showcasing confidence and charm.

This event of the fest was considered to be beyond a piece of joy as it depicted adventure, sportsman's spirit, and happiness.

Henna Hues: Art Through Tradition

The festival was not restricted to fashion only. Here, the students were also given the chance to express their creativity and artistic minds with the Henna Hues competition. This activity was carried out in the Sunken Area between 04:00 PM to 05:00 PM. This event, which was held on the inter-departmental mehndi competition. Here, the students were given the chance to bring out the artistic side of themselves.

The students of the different departments were given a chance to create the designs of their choice, yet in reference to the traditional and cultural motifs. From delicate patterns to bold designs, every piece reflected creativity and precision.

This event truly highlights the way the generation till now is fond of mehndi, which belongs to the age-old tradition and culture. 

Colour Craze: Creativity Without Limits

During the Panache S16, the creativity touched the newly created heights. This was made possible with the activity of Colour Craze. In this activity, the students were made to draw rangoli designs to interpret their vibrant ideas and thoughts through colors and patterns.

After the completion of the event, the area looked extremely colourful, vibrant, beautiful, and positive. This event took place at the Technology Block, Foyer Area between 4:15 PM to 05:00 PM.

This event depicted the importance of teamwork and having the same mindset and goal. While being a part of this activity, the students were able to be creative and imaginative.

War of DJ: Ending the Day on a High Note

Once the sun dimmed a light, the energy was restored with a bang of the War of DJ 

This event marked the magnificent end of the fantastic fest. All the departments were free to play and enjoy their own loved piece of music through their playlists. The cricket ground looked like a huge and broad dance floor where the audience danced on the same rhythm and in sync. 

The air was completely filled with music, laughter, and the spirit of celebration reached its peak. It was the perfect ending to a day full of joy and excitement.

More Than Just a Fest: A Learning Experience

The fest organised by VGU, Panache S16, was beyond just fun. It made the students and every participant learn the following:

• Students inculcated the ability to work in teams.

• They were made to go through the various cultures.

• The students were also given a chance to express their creativity level and put a full stop on the academics for a while.

• By participating in various events and learning about various cultures and traditions followed by the various states of India, the students gained more confidence in life.

These kinds of events and activities are important for students or learners to grow and evolve in life and think beyond classrooms and books. 

Unity in Diversity: The True Spirit of Panache

The theme of the event, carried out by the Vivekananda Global University, “One Stage, Many Stories,” truly came to life throughout the entire event. All the students belonging to different regions, backgrounds, and disciplines united together to create something beautiful.

The event made a statement that even though individuals are living with differences, every individual is united by the same thought, idea, creativity, and experiences. The grand event,  Panache S16, is considered to be a celebration of unity. The statement that was highlighted during the event was that diversity does not divide individuals, but rather it is an act that makes mankind stronger.

Conclusion: 

With the end of the first day of the festival, Panache S16 came to an end, leaving behind a bag full of memories, smiles, joy, learnings, and the art of unity. The event included cultural events, creative competitions, and magnificent performances, all of which were extremely power-packed. The event was beyond just events and activities; it was filled with memories, experiences, and lifelong learnings.

This event, organized by VGU, proved that college fests can be entertaining, fun-packed, along with imparting knowledge nd keeping the students more aware and connected wth the roots. 

With the essence of Panache, S16 continues to grow nd spread across individuals. One thing or statement that is getting more prevalent is that each stage owns its own story, and all the stories were created to be celebrated.