Jaipur: Moving beyond the traditional celebrity-led college fest format, Vivekananda Global University Jaipur has reimagined campus engagement with its flagship festival Panache S-16, positioning it among the top university festivals in India and a standout college fest in Rajasthan.
Held in March 2026, the multi-disciplinary sports, technical, and cultural fest in Jaipur drew over 7,000 students, with an overall footfall of over 30,000 attendees. With representation from 56+ colleges and universities, Panache S-16 is fast emerging as one of the best inter-college fests in North India.
A ‘Mini India’ Cultural Experience on Campus
The festival opened with a visually rich cultural parade, transforming the campus into a vibrant ‘Mini India’, celebrating the country’s diversity.
Academic departments showcased different states through traditional attire, regional performances, and authentic cuisine, making it one of the most immersive cultural events in Jaipur.
Notably, faculty participation alongside students added a collaborative dimension, reflecting VGU’s emphasis on experiential learning in higher education.
7,000+ Unique Participations Redefine Student Engagement
Breaking away from conventional formats, VGU introduced a “one student, one event” model to maximise inclusivity and participation.
This resulted in over 7,000 unique participations, setting a new benchmark for student engagement in higher education in India.
Key Highlights of the Festival:
- Sports Competitions: Cricket, Kabaddi, Volleyball, Basketball, Athletics
- Technical Events: BGMI Tournament, Drone A Thon, Robo Race, Web A Thon
- Cultural Competitions: Dance, Music, Debate, Stand-up Comedy, Fashion Shows
- Creative Initiatives: Photography, Clay Modelling, NGO led activities
Awards such as the Best Cheering Team further encouraged team spirit and leadership development across campus.
Inter University Competition Strengthens Academic Excellence
Following internal rounds, the festival expanded into a competitive inter-university fest in Jaipur, attracting participation from leading institutions including MNIT Jaipur, JECRC University, Manipal University Jaipur, and Rajasthan University.
Students competed across 25+ categories, with VGU participants securing top honours, showcasing excellence beyond academics.
Celebrity Nights with a Student First Approach
The event featured performances by singer Amaal Mallik, along with curated poetry sessions, literary evenings, and stand-up acts.
However, unlike many college fests in India, Panache S-16 retained a student-first approach, ensuring that entertainment complemented the core academic and cultural experience.
Holistic Education in Action
Rooted in the philosophy of Swami Vivekananda, the festival reflected VGU’s commitment to holistic education in India.
Panache S-16 integrated:
- Intellectual growth through technical competitions
- Physical development via sports
- Creative expression through cultural events
- Social awareness through NGO collaborations
This created a dynamic, real-world experiential learning ecosystem, aligned with evolving education trends in India.
VGU Jaipur Strengthens Its Position in Higher Education
With initiatives like Panache S-16, Vivekananda Global University Jaipur continues to establish itself as a hub for student-centric learning, innovation-driven education, and transdisciplinary growth.
The scale and impact of the festival reinforce its standing among the top private universities in Rajasthan, attracting students seeking holistic and industry-ready education.
