Mood Indigo, the annual cultural festival of IIT Bombay, stands as Asia’s largest college cultural festival and one of India’s most influential youth-led platforms. Established in 1971, the festival has grown into a four day cultural showcase that attracts over 154000 visitors annually and connects students from more than 7000 colleges across the country.
Over the years, Mood Indigo has positioned itself as more than a campus event. It has evolved into a national platform that brings together creativity, performance, and conversation across disciplines. The festival’s scale and diversity make it a unique meeting point for students, artists, industry leaders, and cultural influencers.
Mood Indigo has hosted an impressive range of personalities from the worlds of cinema, fashion, music, and public life. Bollywood actors such as Abhishek Bachchan, Aditya Roy Kapoor, Shraddha Kapoor, Pankaj Tripathi, and Ananya Pandey have engaged with student audiences, while distinguished figures including Dabboo Ratnani, Smriti Irani, Nirmala Sitharaman, and chef Sanjeev Kapoor have contributed through talks and interactive sessions. These engagements add depth to the festival, creating meaningful dialogue alongside entertainment.
Music remains a central pillar of Mood Indigo’s programming. The festival has featured international artists like Pink Sweats, along with Indian rock bands, classical performers, comedians, and contemporary musicians. Its flagship concert nights, known as Pronites, attract thousands of attendees and are recognized for their high production value and inclusive atmosphere. Importantly, the festival continues to remain free of cost for college students, reinforcing its commitment to accessibility.
Beyond performances, Mood Indigo offers a wide range of competitive and participatory events. Dance, theatre, literature, stand up comedy, workshops, and interactive experiences are designed to encourage student involvement and skill development. This participatory model ensures that the festival remains rooted in talent discovery and creative growth.
Fashion plays a significant role in Mood Indigo’s cultural identity. The festival has become a respected platform for emerging designers, models, and fashion enthusiasts. Key events such as She’s Got The Talent promote confidence and self expression among women participants, while Vogue, the inter collegiate fashion competition, showcases high concept fashion presentations from teams across the country. Trashion, a sustainability focused initiative, highlights responsible design by encouraging the creation of garments from recycled materials.
These initiatives reflect Mood Indigo’s emphasis on innovation, inclusivity, and forward thinking creativity. By combining performance, design, and social awareness, the festival offers participants meaningful exposure while delivering compelling content for audiences and media partners alike.
At IIT Bombay, Mood Indigo continues to serve as a powerful platform for youth expression, cultural exchange, and creative collaboration. Its scale, credibility, and consistently high engagement make it a natural partner for media organizations seeking to connect with India’s student and youth demographic in an authentic and impactful way.
