Show of skills starts at Saarang 2012

CHENNAI: One of the most awaited college fests of the year, Saarang 2012, hosted by the Indian Institute of Technology - Madras (IIT-M) began on Thursday. Most of the events were prelims to the pre-registered events to be held during the course of the next few days.Musical events like the light music competition Tarang and western music competition Acoustyx + A Capella drew a constant stream of viewers.Tarang coordinator Swarun Krishnan said that they were intent on drawing out fresh talent this year. “We have given more weight to those bringing original compositions to the stage. Twenty  bands from all over India, who have been selected from those who sent in their videos last year, are performing today,” he said. Six teams will make it to the finals.The World Cultural Festival held in the Student Activity Centre (SAC) saw DJ Ipek and Dawn Jay spin some peppy tunes. The carnival area captured the festive spirit of Saarang. The lounge area, with arcade games, tattoo and nail art stands, drew in a lot of crowd as well.The smell of soap pervaded the Fine Arts Hut, where the soap carving contest took place. Delicate wings, dancers and even an elaborate reproduction of a temple statue were seen.   Avid college quizzers battled it out at The Buzzer Quiz and India Quiz events. Other literary events held during the day were Cluedo, written prelims for Debate and Scrabble. Rock Paper Scissors was a new event in the Saarang repertoire. Choreo Nite, the group dance contest, was held in the OAT.