NIT Silchar to Light 111,111 Diyas Honoring Zubeen Garg

The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Silchar is preparing to host its annual festival, Deepotsav 2025, where it will illuminate an impressive total of 111,111 earthen lamps across its campus. This year’s event, themed ‘Operation Sindoor’, holds profound significance as it pays tribute to the celebrated Assamese musician and cultural icon, Zubeen Garg, whose legacy continues to inspire countless individuals.

The initiative aims to create a visually stunning display while embodying the themes of remembrance, reverence, and resilience that resonate with Zubeen Garg’s life and artistry. Prof. Dilip Kumar Baidya, Director of NIT Silchar, expressed enthusiasm about the grand scale of this year’s celebration, stating, “We have been celebrating Deepotsav at NIT Silchar for several years, but this time it’s being planned on a grand scale. With 1 lakh diyas symbolising purity, devotion, and collective strength, this year’s celebration bears a special significance as we pay tributes to the singing legend and heartthrob of Assam, Zubeen Garg.”

The journey of Deepotsav began in 2023 as a student-led initiative featuring just 5,000 earthen lamps, representing unity and devotion. Over the years, it has transformed into one of the most prominent cultural festivals hosted by an Indian institution of national importance. Last year, in 2024, the celebration saw a remarkable expansion, showcasing 51,000 diyas and introducing the Sanatan Corridor. This artistic tribute highlighted India’s temple heritage from Assam to Gujarat and Tamil Nadu to Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat and showcasing the nation’s vibrant diversity and cultural harmony.

This year’s theme, Operation Sindoor, symbolizes sanctity, sacrifice, and unwavering faith. According to the student organisers, the aim is not only to illuminate the NIT Silchar campus but also to inspire hearts across the nation with the values of dharma, seva, and harmony. The event is expected to draw attention not only for its visual spectacle but also for its emotional resonance with attendees and participants alike.

As anticipation builds for Deepotsav 2025, the NIT Silchar community looks forward to a celebration that honors the enduring legacy of Zubeen Garg while fostering a sense of unity and purpose through the illuminating power of light.