PES University witnessed an unforgettable evening of creativity and celebration as CulNite ’26, the cultural night of Aatmatrisha 2026, unfolded with grandeur and excitement. With an audience of nearly 2,000 students, the venue was filled with energy, anticipation, and applause, setting the perfect stage for a spectacular showcase of student talent.
CulNite is a vibrant celebration of artistic expression, bringing together performers from diverse student clubs to shine across music, dance, theatre, fashion, and visual storytelling. Clubs such as Team Trance, Team Meraki, Kannada Koota, The Music Club of PESU, Team Sanskrithi, Nautanki Team, PESU Talkies, Team Antara, and Team Encore showcased an incredible range of performances, reflecting the university’s rich cultural diversity.
The evening commenced on a serene note with an invocation song by Rithya, a 4th‑semester student from the Department of Performing Arts. Her soulful rendition of “Gajavadana Beduvenu” captivated the audience and set a graceful tone for the night. This was followed by the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp, formally inaugurating CulNite ’26. The ceremony was led by Dr. J. Suryaprasad, Vice‑Chancellor of PES University, who also served as the Chief Guest, along with Dr. V. Krishna, Dean of Student Affairs.
In his address, Dr. J. Suryaprasad applauded the tireless efforts of the Aatmatrisha organizing team and acknowledged the constant support provided by Dr. V. Krishna, describing him as the backbone of the festival. The welcome address by Dr. V. Krishna resonated strongly with the audience as he quoted a famous Kannada saying that drew enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. He encouraged students to appreciate every art form presented and dedicated Aatmatrisha to the teachings and values of Late Dr. M. R. Doreswamy, whose vision continues to shape the university. He also highlighted the contributions of Prof. Jawahar Doreswamy, Chancellor of PES University, in ensuring academic excellence and holistic student growth.
Following the felicitation ceremony, the heart of CulNite truly came alive with a series of spellbinding performances. The Department of Performing Arts opened the cultural segment with a flawless Solkattu performance in Trishra Jaati Triputa Tala, curated by Dr. V. Krishna. Musical performances by bands such as Xuberance, Inchara, E#, and Echo Chamber electrified the audience with a mix of Indian fusion, indie, rock, metal, and nostalgic renditions. The acapella group Pitch Please added a refreshing vocal dimension to the evening.
Theatrical brilliance was showcased by the Nautanki Team, whose dramatic storytelling drew audiences into an intense world of emotion and intrigue. Dance performances followed, featuring classical, contemporary, street, Bollywood, and fusion styles by Team Aangika, Team Encore, Team Antara, Team Sanskrithi, Team Trance, and Balavand Bedagu of Kannada Koota, each earning thunderous applause.
The night culminated with a visually stunning fashion showcase by Team Meraki, whose confidence, elegance, and creativity brought CulNite ’26 to a memorable close. As the curtains fell at 10:15 p.m., Day 1 of Aatmatrisha 2026 concluded as a resounding success.
CulNite ’26 was not just an event but a celebration of artistic brilliance, collaboration, and passion — a fitting and vibrant beginning to the week‑long festivities of Aatmatrisha 2026 at PES University.
