Fests in BITS Pilani

BITS Pilani hosts three major annual fests, each providing unique experiences and attracting numerous participants:

BOSM
The BITS Open Sports Meet (BOSM) is the annual sports fest of BITS Pilani and was first held in 1986. It is usually conducted in September, drawing over 2,000 attendees, making it one of the largest student-run sports fests in India.

Teams from various colleges participate in sports such as cricket, football, badminton, basketball, table tennis, squash, and hockey. Off-field activities feature sports quizzes, photography workshops, and exhibitions. Professional Shows have showcased artists like Prashasti Singh, Anubhav Singh Bassi, and Naalayak. The fest is organized by the Council for Students’ Sports Activities (CoSSAc), the Sports Financial Committee (SFC), and the Sports Secretary.

Oasis
Oasis, one of the oldest cultural fests in India, is held in late October. Since its inception in 1971, it has evolved into a highly anticipated festival with more than 5,000 participants. The fest is organized by the Students’ Council for Cultural Activities (StuCCA).

Oasis runs non-stop for 96 hours, offering a variety of events including dance, music, and theatrical performances, as well as quizzes and talks. Key events include Razzmatazz, a dance competition hosted by the Dance Club that tests teams on their creativity and quick thinking; Purple Prose, a nationwide slam poetry competition organized by the Poetry Club; Rap Wars; Scontro; and Standup Soapbox. Concerts are conducted based on various genres of music namely EDM Nite, Bollywood Nite, Indie Nite N2O — a crowd-favorite — is a stand-up comedy show conducted on the last day of Oasis.

Other popular events include BLAB, hosted by the Department of Stage Controls, where a participant is given 60 seconds to talk about any topic; Mock Parliament; and Turncoat. The BITS Pilani Film Festival, featuring events like Metamorphosis (a vlog-making competition) and movie screenings, is another highlight. Each of these events offers prize money, attracting participants from various colleges and ensuring high levels of competition and creativity.

Past editions have featured performances by renowned artists like Amit Trivedi, Farhan Akhtar, Kailash Kher, Vishal–Shekhar, Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy, Benny Dayal, and Papon. Stand-up comedians like Biswa Kalyan Rath, Kenny Sebastian, and East India Comedy have also graced the stage.

APOGEE
APOGEE (A Professions Oriented Gathering over Educational Experiences), the annual technical festival of BITS Pilani, is held annually at the start of April. focusing exclusively on technology and science. Unlike Oasis, which offers a broader spectrum of activities, APOGEE is tailored for enthusiasts of innovation and STEM fields. Organized by dedicated tech teams, STEM clubs, and associations, the festival presents a dynamic array of events designed to challenge and inspire.

A standout event at APOGEE is RoboWars, where miniature robots from various colleges engage in fierce battles. With an enticing prize pool adding to the excitement, RoboWars draws a large audience to Rotunda, marking it as a pivotal spectacle of the festival.

The hallmark of APOGEE is its “Think Again Conclave,” featuring keynote lectures by eminent figures in research, innovation, and social impact. Complementing these intellectual pursuits are engaging quizzes, oratory competitions, and captivating movie screenings that promise both mental stimulation and entertainment.

APOGEE also features Aarohan, a national-level Olympiad conducted by DEXA, with the final stage hosted during the festival. Exhibitions like the planetarium and geo show provide immersive learning experiences.

Other notable events include Quantaculus, focused on mathematics and puzzle-solving, along with cultural events like concerts and stand-up comedy shows. APOGEE also hosts a Film Festival and the Papyrus Trails Literature Festival, providing platforms for participants to showcase diverse talents and fostering an environment of learning and creative expression.

Technical clubs and associations host extensive events with proper prize money, attracting outside participation. Events like Code Jam, Hackathons, Robotics Workshops, and Project Demonstrations further enhance the festival’s appeal, blending technical and cultural experiences.

Echoing the spirit of BOSM and Oasis, APOGEE also showcases cultural events including concerts and stand-up comedy shows. Additionally, APOGEE hosts a Film Festival and Papyrus Trails Literature Festival, providing platforms for participants to showcase diverse talents and fostering an environment of learning and creative expression.