What a night - What a fest at Chandigarh University Unnao - India's First AI-Augmented Multidisciplinary University. The debut edition of 'CU Fest-UP 2026' was truly an unforgettable experience. The celebration brought together a lively mix of cultural showcases, competitive events, and a spectacular musical evening that drew overwhelming student participation. Along with it, the most anticipated moment of the night was a live concert by celebrated vocalist Dhvani Bhanushali, whose stage presence transformed the evening into a lasting memory as the moment she stepped on stage, the entire campus erupted in cheers & her performance of hit numbers kept the crowd completely captivated, which made the musical segment an experience no attendee will soon forget.
Throughout the fest, students stepped forward to display their talent across different disciplines like fine arts, theatre, literary pursuits, music, dance, modelling & more. Our young participants took part in a variety of contests, each bringing their own flair of creativity, competence, and original thinking. University’s senior officials and esteemed guests were present at the event, commending the students' passion and capability, who also emphasized that such events are essential to nurturing well-rounded individuals.
Amongst many activities, there were winners who took the spotlight, like in the debate segment, the first position was claimed by Pragya Shukla and Shona Mariam, with Ankul and Janhvi getting the runner-up spot, and Jaya Singh, along with Parth Sanathi, finishing third. The first prize in the skit competition was clinched by Divyansh and his team, while Yamini and her team stood second. The mimicry event was dominated by Prabhleen Kaur leaving a strong impression on the audience during the fest. In the clay modelling contest, Ravi Pratap stood first, with Aastha Singh and Arshad following in second and third place, respectively.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Prof. (Dr.) Thipendra P. Singh ( PVC - CU UP) highlighted that the institution goes far beyond academic achievement as it actively nurtures art, culture, sports & many other activities. He noted that events like CU Fest open up meaningful avenues for students to uncover their hidden potential, grow in confidence, and develop through shared experiences.
The sheer scale of participation and the infectious energy students brought to the event reinforced CU Fest's standing as a powerful stage for creative expression and cultural growth among the younger generation. With this event's resounding success, Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh has laid the foundation for what is set to become a growing annual tradition, which is expected to expand in reach and grandeur with each passing year & the university further pledged its dedication to continuously enhancing student opportunities through similar initiatives going forward.