Pics: Thejaswi U Poojary
Media Release
Udupi, Apr 8: Utsav 2026, the 5-day flagship cultural festival of Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), an Institution of Eminence Deemed to be University, commenced with great enthusiasm and grandeur at KMC Greens in Manipal on April 7.
The inaugural ceremony was graced by chief guest Vasanti R Pai, trustee, MAHE Trust; presided by Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor, MAHE. The guests of honour were Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, vice chancellor, MAHE; Dr Sharath K Rao, pro vice chancellor (health sciences), MAHE, Manipal; Dr Narayana Sabhahit, pro vice chancellor (technology & science), MAHE, Manipal and Dr Geetha Maiya, director – student affairs, MAHE. Dr Shobha U Kamath, chairperson, CCC MAHE and Dr Mohandas Rao, secretary, CCC MAHE, were present.
The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the formal opening of Utsav 2026. Addressing the gathering, Dr H S Ballal, pro chancellor highlighted the importance of Utsav as a unifying platform that nurtures creativity, encourages collaboration, and celebrates the diverse cultural fabric of the MAHE community.
Utsav 2026 has witnessed remarkable participation this year, with 27 colleges, institutions and academic units in the Manipal higher education ecosystem coming together for the celebration. The festival features 38 events, engaging over 1,700 student participants, along with 300+ faculty and staff participants, and nearly 1,900 group participants, reflecting its growing scale and inclusivity.
The festival had already set the tone with the successful conduct of staff Utsav events, including the vegetable and fruit carving competition and staff variety entertainment, which showcased creativity, teamwork, and enthusiastic participation from faculty and staff members.
As the festival unfolds over five vibrant days, participants will compete across a diverse range of events including fine arts, literary competitions, music, dance, and cultural showcases. Highlights of the upcoming days include rangoli, collage, quiz, mime, Indian and Western vocal and dance competitions, photography, poetry, and fashion show events, culminating in the grand valedictory and prize distribution ceremony on April 10.
With participation from institutions across the Manipal education ecosystem—including Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) campuses in Manipal, Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai, along with Manipal University Jaipur, Sikkim Manipal University, and Manipal University College Malaysia—UTSAV 2026 reflected a shared spirit of cultural exchange and collaboration.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr Shobha U Kamath, chairperson, CCC MAHE, followed by the master of ceremony, Dr Saraswathy Sreeram, cultural coordinator, along with Dr Mohandas Rao, secretary, CCC MAHE.
More than just a festival, Utsav stands as a vibrant expression of talent, creativity, and cultural unity, capturing the spirit of MAHE and its dynamic student community.