Why IIT and IIM students are ditching backpacks for buckets and bicycles

The “No-Bag Day” trend is gaining popularity on Indian higher-education campuses, with students at IIT Bombay and IIM Lucknow replacing conventional backpacks with buckets, umbrellas, cardboard boxes, chairs and even bicycles. The student-led activity offers a playful break from demanding academic routines while encouraging creativity and camaraderie. Inspired by the international “Anything But a Bag Day” concept, the trend has also appeared at other Indian colleges, turning an ordinary campus day into a memorable experience.