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Oasis (festival)

Oasis is the annual cultural festival of the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani). The festival features competitions and performances across a range of artistic disciplines, including music, dance, drama, fashion, comedy, and other genres of performing and visual arts.

The 50th edition, themed "Demesne of the Lost Gold", marked 50 years of the festival in 2022. The 51st edition, held in 2023, used the theme "Grimoire Galore", based on the aesthetic of fantasy books. The 52nd edition, titled "Regal Roulette", was inspired by the aesthetic of casinos and was held in 2024. The 53rd edition was held in 2025 and had a "Whispers of Edo" theme.

Oasis stages professional shows, also including semi-professional music competitions, such as Rocktaves, and student-led organizations.

History

Oasis began in 1971 as an intra-college event, growing into a national-level festival over time.

Past themes have included:

  • 2011 – The Road Trip
  • 2012 – The Reinvention
  • 2013 – The Elements
  • 2014 – The '90s Show
  • 2015 – Around the World in 96 Hours
  • 2016 – Of Gods and Men
  • 2017 – Realms of Fiction
  • 2018 – The Far Our Fest
  • 2019 – Neon Noir
  • 2022 – Demesne of the Lost Gold (50th edition celebration)
  • 2023 – Grimoire Galore
  • 2024 – Regal Roulette
  • 2025 – Whispers of Edo

Events and activities

Oasis has hosts over 50 events across various artistic and intellectual domains, featuring participation from 350+ colleges across India.

Music

  • Rocktaves: a collegiate rock competition. Preliminary rounds are held in eight major cities:Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Pune, and Guwahati. Notable alumni include The Local Train, Parikrama, Indian Ocean, Anand Bhaskar Collective and Euphoria.
  • Rap Wars: A hip-hop contest. Previous participants who have gone on to achieve popularity are Raga, Seedhe Maut, Raftaar and Arpit Bala.
  • Pitch Perfect, Andholika, Tarang, Free Jam, Drums Duel, Axetacy: Acappella, solo vocals, instrumental, improvisation, percussion, and guitar events.

Dance

  • Events include Choreo, Street Dance, Razzmataz, Desert Duel, and Tandav, covering a wide range of styles from classical to urban contemporary.

Fashion and fine arts

  • FASHP (Fashion Show), Mr. & Mrs. Oasis, and Femina Miss India Campus Rounds
  • Metamorphosis, Splash, Exposure: Videography, face painting, and photography contests.

Drama and public speaking

  • Stage Play: A competition featuring full-length dramatic productions.
  • Street Play: Events highlighting themes of social relevance and encouraging audience interaction.
  • Mock Parliament: Blends performance with simulated political debate
  • Oasis Debate: Tests participants' oratory and argumentative skills.
  • Mock Mime, BLAB, the Oasis Quiz, and Treasure Hunt.

N2O: The Comedy Night

N2O is the concluding event of Oasis. It has featured stand-up comedians such as Vir Das, Zakir Khan, Biswa Kalyan Rath, Kenny Sebastian, Kunal Kamra, and Abish Mathew.

Professional nights

Bollywood Night

The Hindi Prof Show has featured collaborations with Vishal Mishra (2024), Vishal–Shekhar (2023), Amit Trivedi (2022), Farhan Akhtar, Kailash Kher, Lucky Ali, and Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy.

EDM & Hip-Hop Night

Oasis’s EDM Night has featured DJs such as Nucleya, Seedhe Maut, KRSNA, DJ Shaan, Sevenn, Zaeden, Wolfpack, Arpit Bala, Foosie Gang, Panther, and Smoke.

Indie Night

Indie Night has featured artists such as Taba Chake, The Yellow Diary, Peter Cat Recording Co., When Chai Met Toast, The Backyard Shrooms, Parvaaz, Dualist Inquiry, The Ganesh Talkies, and Submarine in Space.

Organization

Oasis is organized by the StuCCA (Students' Council for Cultural Activities), including the General Secretary and the President of the Students' Union.

Major departments

  • Art, Design and Publicity (ADP)
  • Reception and Accommodation (RecNAcc)
  • Department of Controlz
  • Publications and Correspondence (PCr)
  • Department of Visual Media (DVM)

Minor departments

  • Department of Firewallz
  • Department of Live Events
  • Department of Photography (DoPy)
  • Informalz
  • Lights
  • Sounds
  • Audi Force
  • Backstage
  • Department of Theatre
  • Sponsorship and Marketing

Sponsorships and collaborations

Oasis receives corporate and media sponsorship from:

References

External links