Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) is all set to host its popular annual cultural festival, Riviera 2026, from February 26 to March 1.

The four-day event carries the theme “Rise. Rush. Revel” and is expected to see more than 18,000 participants with prize money over Rs.25 lakh.

Speaking to the press and media, VIT’s Chancellor G. Viswanathan said, “Riviera began in 2002 and this is its 23rd edition. Pre-Riviera events took place from February 19 to 22. Pre-Riviera sports were held from February 3 to 22. The main festival runs from February 26 to March 1.

“Excluding sports, there are 136 main events and 16 premium events. More than 18,000 people will take part, including over 1,000 students from other colleges.”

“Over 120 international students from 28 countries will join the special multicultural event called INFUSION. A group of 33 students and two teachers from Italy has already arrived on campus. Total prize money is more than Rs.25 lakh.”

“In the pre-Riviera phase, over 20 events were held, including three premium ones. Sports events happened in both pre and main phases. Pre-Riviera sports ran from February 3 to 13, and main sports will continue from February 16 to 27. There are 14 pre-Riviera sports events and 12 main ones.”

“This year we have introduced special sports events for differently-abled children on February 19. The festival starts with a marathon on February 26.”

“The main events include more than 100 regular contests and over 20 premium ones. More than 60 VIT clubs, chapters and societies are taking part.”

“New attractions this year are Grid Wars (an AI vs humans competition), Pickle Royale: Lights Out (glow-in-the-dark games), sustainable fashion events linked to UN Sustainable Development Goals, and a new tiered Proshow Pass system with Diamond, Gold and Silver options.”

“The program covers solo and group music and dance competitions, literary and debate events, Esports, regular sports, sustainable fashion and design contests, the CLIFF short-film festival by the VIT Film Society, and many fine-arts and craft workshops.

Evening Proshows

  • February 26 (Day 1): Sunidhi Chauhan performs at 8 pm. Former Indian women’s cricket captain Mithali Raj will be the chief guest for the inauguration.
  • February 27 (Day 2): S. Thaman at 8:15 pm (after Friks Factor dance competition at 6:30 pm).
  • February 28 (Day 3): Benny Dayal at 8:30 pm and Pradeep Kumar at 6:45 pm.
  • March 1 (Day 4): Actress Genelia Deshmukh at the valedictory event at 6:45 pm, followed by DJ Shaan at 8 pm and Ritviz at 9:15 pm.”

Others present during the press conference include VIT’s Vice Presidents Sankar Viswanathan and Sekar Viswanathan, Executive Director Sandhya Pentareddy, Ramani Balasundaram, Assistant Vice President Kadhambari S. Viswanathan, Pro Vice Chancellor Parthasarathi Mallick, Registrar Jayabharathi and Riviera Convenor Belwin Edward.