Mumbai: Mood Indigo 2024, themed "Enigma of Ethnicity," commenced on Wednesday at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) with remarkable enthusiasm, marking the beginning of Asia’s largest cultural festival. The festivities were officially inaugurated at midnight with a heartwarming cake-cutting ceremony by the core group members, setting an optimistic tone for the days ahead.

The opening day featured an impressive lineup of events and celebrity appearances. Bollywood actor Sonu Sood and singer Stebin Ben launched the much-anticipated new song "Fateh," captivating the audience with their presence. Actors Sharib Hashmi and Anupriya Goenka engaged in an interactive session, sharing insights from their careers.

Renowned chef Sanjeev Kapoor delighted food enthusiasts with a live culinary demonstration, while veteran actress and folk singer Ila Arun showcased the richness of Indian ethnic music with a soulful performance.

Stand-up comedian Harsh Gujral left the audience in splits with his jokes, and actors Abhay Verma, Sparsh Shrivastava, and Nitanshi Goel participated in an engaging panel discussion, sharing their experiences in the entertainment industry.

As the evening unfolded, the festival reached new heights with mesmerising musical performances. Indian artist Shubham Kabra and Norwegian DJ Toddla created a fusion of global sounds, energising the crowd.

The night culminated in a spectacular concert by Armaan Malik, which followed a soulful performance from a band from Kerala named ‘When Chai Met Toast’. Malik’s captivating vocals, combined with the band’s heartwarming melodies, enthralled thousands of fans, most of them college students from across the country.

The ‘Nightlife Zone’ added to the vibrancy of the festival with activities such as a Silent Disco, Speed Dating, Bonfire, Horror Movie Night, and Open Mic sessions. Workshops such as "Paint with Puppies" and "Food Photography by CookinTower" provided creative outlets for attendees.

The opening day of the IIT-B fest also featured intense competitions, including the finals of Mime Time (Non-Verbal Theatre), Rangeela (Watercolour Painting), Surshingar (Classical Solo Singing), and the semi-finals of Desi Beats (Group Bollywood Dance) and Mantra (Battle of the Bands).

Cosplay enthusiasts brought their passion to life in the Cosplay event. Beyond the main attractions, the Indigo Flea and Street Activities added vibrancy with art, performances, and interactive experiences, while Informals offered games and challenges throughout the day.