For two nights that will be etched in the memories of all who attended, the Goa
Institute of Management was a kaleidoscope of rhythm, movement, words, and shared
experiences as INCEPTION 2026 brought alive its Parallel Realities theme. From anticipation to immersion, every performance was a gateway to a new world of expression.
The Amphitheatre was alive on Day 1, as Just Du-et kicked off the proceedings with their
personal yet powerful performances, a treat to watch. The energy reached new heights with Feet on Fire, as teams performed scintillating choreography, synchronisation, and stage presence that ignited the festival spirit.
As twilight gave way to night, the mood shifted from competition to celebration. The eagerly awaited performance by B.Y.O.B. Band turned the venue into a buzzing live concert ground, as they mixed and matched contemporary music with audience energy. Their performance was a perfect example of how the audience and the performers became one.
The evening ended with Mahabharat: Aarambh, a theatrical show by the Theatre Group of
GIM that redefined the epic with a modern twist. With its storytelling and acting skills, the show brought the festival back to its roots, reminding everyone that art is not only performed but also experienced.
Day 2 began as a musical awakening. Melody & Muse honoured musical excellence, providing a platform for voices and instruments to come together in perfect harmony, followed by Melange 3.0, GIM’s annual fashion extravaganza that combined design, storytelling, and acting to create a beautiful visual treat.
Emotion took centre stage during Nritya – One Last Dance, a touching segment that touched the hearts of the graduating batch. It was more than a performance; it was a farewell in the form of movement, a tribute to the shared journeys and closing chapters.
The evening was then graced by Snehi Gundev, whose energetic presence and performance
skillfully blended youthfulness with artistic expertise, paving the way for a resplendent finale. The festival culminated in a crescendo with the presence of renowned singer Shahid Mallya, whose soulful yet energetic performance created a powerful, evocative collective experience. Ranging from soul-stirring melodies to electrifying performances, his voice took the audience through a journey of nostalgia, excitement, and celebration, thus making it a fitting finale to a festival that was all about emotional and artistic resonance.
In addition to the stage, INCEPTION 2026 was made possible by a prestigious community of partners who came together to enhance all aspects of the festival. The festival was proudly powered by Kajaria – India’s No.1 Tile Company, Title Sponsor, and supported by Associate Partners AD Enterprises, CAS ANT Events, and HPCL. The festival infrastructure was further enhanced by Maheshwari Steels, while the festival experience was designed by Tribevibe (Festival Partner) and talent provided by Manikarnika Events (Talent Partner).
Operational efficiency was ensured by ADL Coordinates (Safety & Compliance) and Delhivery (Logistics Partner), while The New India Assurance Company Limited ensured the safety of every moment of celebration. The festival was supported by Canara Bank (Banking Partner), while Eichbaum (Beer Partner) kept the festival spirit alive, and Cornitos (Official Snacking Partner) added flavour to the experience.
The act of gifting partners Big Banyan Wines, Tonia Group, Ereganto, Tipsy Bomb, Jeonju
Soju, and Pintola added a thoughtful element, while the food scene was enhanced by Tasty
Trucker, Mercely’s Ice Cream, Cheezy Bites, Korea Goa, The Waffle Art, Burgers & More,
Desserts & More, and Suzan Caterers, making the festival as flavorful as it was colorful.
The festival extended its reach to more people through media partners Fashion Herald, Goa
Chronicle, The EduGraph, and Education Tree at Campus, spreading the essence of
Inception beyond the institute’s walls.
The success of the festival was also ensured by the dedication and hard work of the student
volunteers, who, with their passion, coordination, and unseen efforts, made INCEPTION 2026 a reality.
INCEPTION 2026, spread over two days, became more than just an annual festival – it became a collective memory. It was where the disciplines and artistry converged, where the structured and spontaneous merged, and where the GIM community entered parallel universes crafted through music, dance, theatre, and design. As the lights went down and the final chords dissipated, what was left was not silence, but the rhythm of a promise: that although this chapter may be closing, the legacy of Inception lives on through the realities yet to be written.
