Tue Feb 24 16:49:38 UTC 2026: # VIT’s Riviera 2026 Set to Draw International Crowd

The Story: Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) is preparing to host its annual international sports and cultural festival, Riviera 2026, from February 26th to March 1st, 2026. The event, themed “Rise, Rush and Revel,” marks the 23rd edition of the festival since its inception in 2002. The festival anticipates over 18,000 participants, including more than 120 foreign students from 28 countries.

Key Points:

  • Riviera 2026 will be held at VIT’s Vellore campus from February 26th to March 1st, 2026.
  • The theme for the event is “Rise, Rush and Revel.”
  • Former Indian cricketer Mithali Raj will inaugurate the festival, and actor Genelia Deshmukh will be the chief guest for the valedictory function.
  • The Proshow lineup includes performances by Sunidhi Chauhan, Thaman S., Benny Dayal, Pradeep Kumar, Ritviz, and DJ Shaan.
  • New features include an AI vs Humans competition (“Grid Wars”), glow-format sports (“Pickle Royale: Lights Out”), and sustainability-focused fashion competitions.
  • Total prize money for Riviera 2026 will exceed Rs 25 lakhs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Riviera continues to grow in scale and international participation, solidifying VIT’s position as a global educational hub.
  • The festival is adapting to incorporate modern trends like AI, sustainability, and diverse entertainment formats.
  • The inclusion of prominent figures like Mithali Raj and Genelia Deshmukh enhances the event’s appeal and visibility.

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