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Delhi University fest season ends in chaos, fueling debate on banning artist gigs
Delhi University’s fest season was marked by chaos across multiple colleges, including gate clashes and on-campus brawls, with heavy police deployment. Principals and event organizers debated whether artist performances should be limited or better crowd-control measures implemented. The reporting highlights mismanagement in planning and safety lapses as contributing factors.
Why It Matters
The incidents could shape university policy on campus events, potentially influencing whether artist performances are allowed and how crowds are regulated in future fests.
Timeline
7 Events
Diego Events cites mismanagement in DU fest planning and calls for safety measures
April 2026
Mayank Malik of Diego Events described planning missteps, noting broad registrations and last-minute capacity restrictions contribute to overcrowding, and citing safety lapses such as injuries from thrown objects while advocating strict frisking and controlled entry.
Miranda House hosts Tulsi Kumar with controlled entry and ethos alignment
April 2026
Miranda House hosted Tulsi Kumar with a policy of restricting entry to the college’s own students and selecting artists aligned with the college’s ethos, resulting in a well-managed event.
Sri Venkateswara College implements strict gate controls for artist events
April 2026
Sri Venkateswara College used student ID scanners and gate controls, allowing only Venky’s students to enter on the day of the artist performance and helping regulate entry.
Moti Lal Nehru College clashes inside campus and at entry points
April 2026
Clashes occurred inside Moti Lal Nehru College while outsiders gathered and fought at entry points during the DU fest season in April 2026.
Hansraj College brawl prompts call for curbs on artist performances
April 2026
Hansraj College witnessed a major on-campus brawl during the fest in mid-April 2026; the principal argued that curbing artist performances at DU fests could prevent such incidents.
Police lathicharge as crowds attempt entry at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College fest
March 2026
During the same fest season in March 2026, police used lathis as crowds tried to force entry at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, underscoring safety challenges.
Mohit Chauhan performs at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College fest
March 2026
Mohit Chauhan performed at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College as part of its fest in March 2026, an event that coincided with crowd management concerns at the gates.