The 31st edition of Chaos, the annual cultural festival of the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), concluded at the Institute with three days of vibrant celebrations spanning music, art, competitions, and thought-provoking speaker sessions. Held from January 16 to 18, 2026, Chaos 2026 was centred on the theme ‘Hues of Heritage’, celebrating India’s rich cultural legacy through immersive experiences, heritage-inspired installations, and campus-wide décor that brought tradition and creativity together in a contemporary setting.

The festival commenced on January 15 with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony at the iconic Louis Kahn Plaza, formally marking the start of Chaos 2026. The ceremony was led by Prof. Bharat Bhasker, Director, IIMA, along with Prof. Balagopal Gopalakrishnan, and Prof. Amit Karna. The inaugural ceremony unfolded into a soulful evening with a Sufi band performance by Munaf Luhar, whose music created a serene yet celebratory atmosphere under the starlit sky. The performance set a reflective and uplifting tone for the three-day cultural extravaganza, marking the beginning of a festival that seamlessly blended heritage, creativity, and collective spirit.

Music remained at the heart of Chaos 2026, with each evening drawing larger crowds as the festival unfolded a carefully curated pro-night line-up across genres. The musical journey began on January 16 with electronic music producer and vocalist Ritviz, who enthralled the audience with his distinctive soundscape that seamlessly blends Indian classical influences with contemporary electronic music. The tempo rose on January 17 as rapper and music composer Raftaar took the stage, delivering an electrifying performance marked by his commanding stage presence and chart-topping numbers. He was joined by DJ Ravator, whose high-energy electronic sets kept the audience engaged well into the night. Chaos 2026 drew to a memorable close on January 18 with a soulful finale by playback singer Javed Ali, whose emotive performances offered a poignant and fitting conclusion to the three-day cultural celebration.

The speaker sessions at Chaos 2026 were also a key highlight of the festival, offering the audience an opportunity to engage with influential voices across leadership, law, philosophy, and professional life. Spread across the festival days, these sessions addressed themes of personal well-being, cultural identity, values, and entrepreneurial resilience, complementing the cultural celebrations with meaningful dialogue and reflection.

Shri Gaur Gopal Das, a globally renowned monk, author, and public speaker, is widely recognised for bridging ancient Indian wisdom with modern perspectives on leadership, mindfulness, and personal growth. At Chaos 2026, on January 16, he addressed issues of placement anxiety and everyday stress faced by students and young professionals. Emphasising the importance of friendships and support systems, he spoke about the role of trusted companions in helping individuals rediscover motivation during challenging times. He also suggested journaling and open conversations with confidantes as effective ways to manage overthinking, while encouraging the audience to focus on self-improvement rather than the need to prove oneself to others.

Mr. Jai Sai Deepak, a Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India and a bestselling author, is known for his work in constitutional law, civilisational discourse, and public policy. During his session on January 17, he spoke on preserving cultural identity and value systems within global professional environments that often operate on differing frameworks. Drawing on the concept of Dharma, he explored the relationship between theology, culture, and politics, explaining how theology shapes culture, which in turn influences political thought.

On January 18, Mr. Balu Nayar, a senior corporate leader with extensive experience in leadership development, organisational transformation, and people management, shared insights on entrepreneurship and leadership, focusing on the importance of resilience and clarity of purpose. He emphasised that successful start-ups and ventures begin with a clear understanding of the problem being addressed. He also highlighted the role of persistence and adaptability in navigating professional and entrepreneurial journeys.

The workshops at Chaos 2026 added a hands-on, experiential dimension to the festival, transforming the campus into a vibrant space for learning beyond the classroom. Designed to blend creativity with skill-building, the sessions offered participants an opportunity to explore diverse interests in an informal and engaging setting. From A Day at IIM Ahmedabad, which gave visitors a glimpse into life at the Institute, to Coffee and Mocktail Mastery and Baking, the workshops encouraged experimentation and discovery. Creative expression took centre stage through Spray Painting, Dye It Yourself, and Exploring Cinema and Storytelling, while Taekwondo brought a focus on discipline, movement, and physical well-being. Together, these workshops reflected the spirit of Chaos- curious, inclusive, and driven by the joy of learning through experience.

Beyond the stage performances, workshops and talks, Chaos 2026 unfolded as a celebration of creativity, competition, and participation. Campus-wide events and competitions brought together students and visitors from across the country, showcasing talent across multiple disciplines. The informal events at the 31st edition of Chaos brought a whole new vibe to the festival. From FIFA and Body Zorbing to Air Hockey and Darts, the energy was unmatched. This year also marked the debut of the Box Cricket tournament, which was an instant hit. The excitement was contagious, drawing over 1,000 participants across the three days. The festival also featured a weapon display by the Indian Army on January 17, which became a key highlight, with participants gathering in large numbers to gain insights into the equipment and weapons used in modern battlefields.

Backed by leading brands and marked by a rich diversity of engagements, Chaos 2026 once again stood out as a celebration that united culture, creativity, and community in a distinctive and compelling manner.