Haryana Student’s IIT Bombay Mess Video Goes Viral Showcasing Campus Food, Culture, and Festivities

A short video made by Garima Bangar, a PhD student at IIT Bombay from Sonipat, Haryana, has captured the attention of millions across social media platforms, highlighting the unique food culture and festive traditions experienced in one of India’s premier institutes. Originally posted in 2024, the video has recently gone viral again, garnering over 12 million views, 4 lakh likes, and more than 1,300 comments.

PhD student Garima Bangar from Haryana shares her IIT Bombay mess experience, highlighting diverse regional cuisines, festival traditions, and campus life.

In the video, Garima gives viewers a detailed tour of the IIT Bombay mess, explaining how students are introduced to cuisines and cultural practices from across India. She shares, “I am from Haryana and had never seen the food culture of other states so closely before, but IIT Bombay is helping me experience everything.”

Exploring Culinary Diversity and Festive Traditions

Garima’s video showcases how the campus mess celebrates various festivals through its meals. During Pongal, she explains, the students were served traditional South Indian meals on banana leaves. Rangoli decorations adorned the dining area, and students observed customs such as sitting on the floor and removing footwear before meals. Such experiences, according to her, allow students to appreciate regional traditions in a communal and immersive setting.

The video also emphasizes the cleanliness and hygiene maintained in the mess, portraying a well-organized dining environment. Viewers have praised the video for its authentic representation of campus life, from food preparation to the celebration of festivals through cuisine.

A Glimpse Into Life at IIT Bombay

Apart from food, the video indirectly sheds light on the broader student experience at IIT Bombay, including hostel life, library facilities, gyms, and sports infrastructure. The campus offers students an environment that combines rigorous academics with cultural learning.

Garima’s academic journey is equally impressive. She completed her graduation and master’s degree in Chemistry from Delhi University before joining IIT Bombay for her doctoral studies. Her video highlights how exposure to diverse food and cultural practices forms an essential part of student life, encouraging appreciation for India’s rich culinary and cultural heritage.

Renewed Interest in IIT Bombay Campus Life

The renewed virality of Garima’s video demonstrates growing public interest in student experiences beyond classrooms, highlighting how traditions and modern education coexist at IITs. Observers note that videos like this provide a rare window into the daily life of students, showcasing the balance between academic rigor and cultural learning.

IIT Bombay, which has recently been in discussions over a proposed name change to IIT Mumbai, continues to maintain its global reputation while nurturing student experiences that celebrate diversity and inclusion.