New Delhi, October 2024.

World University of Design (WUD), India’s first University dedicated to education in the creative domain, has once again demonstrated its dedication to providing a comprehensive and well-rounded education with the successful conclusion of its annual CULT Festival. The three-day extravaganza, held from October 16 to 18, 2024 at WUD campus in Sonipat, brought together over 4000 participants from more than 70 institutions across India, celebrating the fusion of sports, arts, culture and design.

This year’s festival, a three-day celebration of sports, art, and design, brought together students from diverse educational backgrounds to compete and collaborate in various events. By integrating the competitive spirit of sports with the freedom of artistic expression, WUD aims to nurture not only skilled professionals but well-rounded individuals, equipped to excel in the dynamic world of today and tomorrow.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor of World University of Design (WUD), stated, "The CULT Festival epitomizes our vision of holistic education. By integrating sports, arts, and culture with design, we're nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of tomorrow's world."

The festivities began with a series of sports events, showcasing WUD's commitment to inclusivity and physical wellness. Boys and girls participated in volleyball, badminton, basketball, table tennis, and soccer, demonstrating teamwork, resilience, and athletic prowess. The atmosphere was charged as students cheered for their peers, embodying a spirit of camaraderie and determination.

The next day broadened the experience with a range of creative competitions and performances. Online gaming fans faced off in Valorant and Mortal Kombat II, while rapid rhyme battles and classical music performances highlighted participants’ artistic talents. Live sketching and the “Make and Shift Your Fit” fashion competition, which promoted innovative and sustainable design, added to the excitement of the day. The evening concluded with a captivating concert by Maahi Mukherjee, whose dynamic performance captivated the audience.

"The CULT Festival is more than just an event; it's a testament to our educational philosophy," added Dr. Gupta. "At WUD, we believe that true education goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. It's about nurturing creativity, fostering teamwork, and developing a global perspective. The success of CULT 2024 reinforces our position as a leader in holistic education in India."

The festival's final day elevated creativity to new heights, celebrating dance, music, and visual arts. High-energy dance events like Beat Breakers and Bhava kept the momentum going, while solo performers shined in the One Mic, One Voice competition. The visual arts took center stage with competitions in creative drawing and conceptual fashion photography, allowing participants to unleash their imagination. The day wrapped up with an electrifying Sunburn event headlined by DJ Xenial, followed by a Bollywood dance party that kept everyone dancing into the night.

CULT 2024 attracted top institutions like Delhi University, NLU, Ashoka University, BITS Pilani, OP Jindal Global University, NIT Kurukshetra, LPU, and NIFT, highlighting WUD’s reputation as a hub for interdisciplinary learning and creativity.

The festival featured standout performances, with JIMS, Delhi, winning Kryptic Pulse, SRM University excelling in the Swaranjali Indian Music (solo) category, DCRUST, Sonipat, claiming victory in Vividha Group Classical Dance, and BR Ambedkar University winning the Rapid Rhyme Battle. Other top contenders included Ashoka University, Amity Noida, Hansraj College, NIT Kurukshetra, and IIIT Sonipat. Offering prize money between 40-50k for select events, CULT 2024 emphasized rewarding excellence and inspired participants to elevate their performances, enhancing the overall competitive spirit.

The World University of Design sets benchmarks in education by combining academic excellence with extracurricular activities, preparing students for both careers and life. As India's first university focused solely on creative education, WUD offers diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs in design, fashion, communication, visual arts, architecture, and management. Located in Sonipat, Haryana, WUD is dedicated to nurturing creative professionals ready to shape the future.