NIFT Bhubaneswar Hosts ‘Spectrum 2026 – Naksh’ & ‘Craft Bazar 2026 – Kalakriti’ with Grandeur
A Vibrant Confluence of Student Talent, Traditional Craftsmanship, and Contemporary Fashion Innovation at NIFT Bhubaneswar
The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Bhubaneswar, under the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, successfully hosted its flagship annual cultural fest ‘Spectrum 2026 – Naksh’ (March 26–27) alongside ‘Craft Bazar 2026 – Kalakriti’ (March 27–28). The campus came alive with a vibrant fusion of creativity, culture, craftsmanship, and innovation.
Focus on Blending Tradition with Modern Design
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Dr. Vibhavari Kumar, Director of NIFT Bhubaneswar, emphasized the importance of integrating traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion education. She highlighted the institute’s commitment to producing industry-ready professionals while preserving India’s cultural identity.
Grand Inauguration Marks Cultural Extravaganza
The festivities of Spectrum 2026 – Naksh commenced on March 26 with a grand inaugural ceremony at 7:00 PM. The event was inaugurated by Akash Das Nayak, Honourable Member of the Legislative Assembly, Odisha, who lit the ceremonial lamp and praised NIFT’s role in nurturing creative talent.
The evening featured vibrant cultural performances celebrating Odisha’s heritage. The opening round of the Mr. and Miss Spectrum contest added excitement, followed by a high-energy Star Night performance by IQQANVE.
Mr. & Miss Spectrum 2026 Winners Announced
The much-awaited titles were clinched by:
- Mr. Spectrum 2026: Sarthak Dalal (Fashion Communication Department)
- Miss Spectrum 2026: Shreya Yadav (Fashion & Lifestyle Accessories Department)
Competitions and Creative Showcases Take Center Stage
Day two of the fest witnessed a series of engaging competitions including face painting, Ad-Mad shows, caricature making, dance performances, and table tennis.
The competitions were judged by eminent personalities such as:
- Prachitara Mishra (Storyteller)
- Satyaban Sethi (Sitar Player)
- Manas Ranjan Sahoo (Odissi Dancer)
- Sibiyan Nanda (Fashion Stylist)
- Babita Sabar (Model)
A grand fashion show competition themed ‘Naksh’ showcased innovative student collections from various institutes, followed by electrifying band performances.

Craft Bazar 2026 Celebrates India’s Artisan Heritage
Running parallel to Spectrum was Craft Bazar 2026 – Kalakriti, inaugurated on March 27 at 12:30 PM by Pitambar Acharya, with Satyajit Naik as Guest of Honor.
The Craft Bazar brought together artisans, designers, and students, showcasing an extensive range of handcrafted products and textiles from states including Bihar, West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Odisha.

Promoting Sustainable Craft and Experiential Learning
The event highlighted sustainable practices and strengthened the connection between traditional craftsmanship and modern design. A special fashion show, organized by Prof. Ritesh Panda along with Prof. Sobharani Lakra and Prof. Ravi Prakash, showcased handloom and handicraft creations by artisans.

Empowering Artisans and Future Designers
Craft Bazar 2026 reinforced NIFT Bhubaneswar’s commitment to supporting artisan communities by providing direct market access. It also offered students hands-on exposure to real-world craft ecosystems, encouraging experiential learning and collaborative innovation.
A Celebration of Creativity and Cultural Legacy
Through the combined celebration of Spectrum 2026 – Naksh and Craft Bazar 2026 – Kalakriti, NIFT Bhubaneswar once again demonstrated its dedication to nurturing creativity, promoting cultural heritage, and empowering the next generation of designers and entrepreneurs.

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