Bazinga - DU Beat - Delhi University's Independent Student Newspaper

From Sufi melodies to crazy mashups, Nexus’26 was three days of pure energy, talent and a star night to remember.

Nexus’26, the Annual Cultural Fest of Sri Venkateswara College, unfolded over the 18th, 19th and 20th of February 2026, transforming the campus into a vibrant hub of art, music and collective celebration. Over the three electric days, students from across the University of Delhi poured in, making the fest a true confluence of cultures, talent and youthful energy.

Day 1 of the fest began with the classical dance event, setting a graceful yet powerful tone. This was followed by Madari, the street play (Nukkad Natak) competition, and then the classical singing event. Battle of Bands was also scheduled, but unfortunately could not take place because of the rains. For the guest night, the artists were Nizami Bandhu and Anirudh Varma Collective. While the former specializes in Sufi music, the latter is known for Indian classical fusion. This lineup truly reflected the spirit of Nexus, a convergence of two different yet beautifully parallel musical cultures.

The performance began with Anirudh Varma Collective, followed by Nizami Bandhu, who brought a deeply soulful energy to the stage. The highlight of the night was when both artists came together to perform Kun Faya Kun and Aaj Rang Hai. Kun Faya Kun, in all its glory, had the crowd singing at the top of their lungs; the energy was unmatched and truly electrifying.

Day 2 of Nexus was filled with even more performances from several talented students across the University of Delhi. Dinuendo, where the music societies from several colleges showcased their rhythm and harmony through beautifully composed acapella mixes. Even soundchecks were hypnotic. Colleges, including Hansraj, Jesus and Mary College, and Miranda House, to name a few, all exhibited compositions in which the singers’ voices fused divinely. Solo performances also allowed students to shine and showcase their vocal abilities. Mehfil gave students a platform to exhibit their proficiency in classical music and instruments. Power-packed dance performances also hyped up the crowd.

Artistry exhibited the painting, sketches, handicrafts, and other spectacles which were pure manifestations of aesthetic sense and creativity. The day concluded with a DJ night by the artists Madari Live, flashing lights and an energetic crowd.

Day 3 was one of the most anticipated days, for it was the star night, and Ankit Tiwari performed that night. Initially the entry was only limited to Venkateswara College students, with the gates opening around 10am. However, by evening, the entry was opened to everyone, and the energy on campus noticeably shifted. Though there wasn’t much happening during daytime, the food stalls were constantly buzzing.

The artist arrived around 7pm and what followed after that was exuberant and wild to say the least. Ankit Tiwari really lit up the stage and the whole crowd with his performance. He was passionately dancing, performing and engaging with the crowd all while singing with full energy. One of the sweetest moments of the night was when he invited three students on stage who had won a YouTube contest organised before the fest.

He also took a brief but touching moment to remember KK, paying tribute through a soulful rendition that had the audience swaying with phone flashlights in the air. It was deeply emotional and nostalgic. Alongside his popular tracks, Ankit Tiwari also played some unexpected and high-energy mashups that completely shifted the vibe, turning the venue into a massive singalong.