Anant National University transformed its campus into a vibrant cultural and creative hub as it hosted the 4th edition of WITH Festival alongside the inaugural Anant Student Fest (ASF) from 20–22 February 2026. Together, the two festivals created a shared platform for artistic expression, student innovation and cross-cultural exchange, open to the wider public.
Day 1 of the WITH 2026 festival at Anant began with inspiring opening remarks by Dr Sanjeev Vidyarthi, Provost, Anant National University, followed by a series of exclusive workshops designed for students. These sessions offered hands-on engagement with Indigenous arts and creative practices led by experienced artists and faculty.
Workshops included a Chhau Mask Making session by Prof Srikanta Paul, Associate Professor, Bachelor of Visual Arts, a Ceramic Workshop by Prof Arundhati Mitra, Assistant Professor, Office of Foundation Studies and an Image and Text in Visual Arts Workshop by Prof Piyush Thakkar, Assistant Professor, Bachelor of Visual Arts.
The day also featured captivating performances by Rina Das, Kangal Khyapa and Maati Baani, bringing together the richness of Baul traditions along with classical and folk fusion music.
Day 2 of the WITH 2026 festival at Anant began with a series of engaging workshops curated for students, offering hands-on exposure to Indigenous arts and creative practices under the guidance of experienced artists and faculty.
The day continued with vibrant student dance and theatre performances that brought energy and creativity to the campus. A captivating Rajasthani folk music performance by Ghazi Khan added a rich cultural dimension to the celebrations.
The festival concluded with an experimental live coding music and visual workshop, where technology and art came together in an immersive experience.
