Rules and Regulations
Eligibility Criteria
The competition is being conducted for two categories.
(only Indian residents can apply)
| Category Name | Age Group | Date Of Birth |
|---|---|---|
| Percussion Category: Tabla | 16 years to 25 years | Eligible if born between: January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2010 (both dates inclusive). |
| String Category: Sitar | 16 years to 25 years | Eligible if born between: January 1, 1999 and December 31, 2010 (both dates inclusive). |
Winner and Prize Categories
All participants performing in the live performance stage of the competition shall get Certificate of Participation
Percussion Category: Tabla (Age Group 16-25 years)
Winner Prize: Rs. 1,50,000
Runner Up Prize: Rs. 1,00,000
| Category | Cash Prize (INR) | Training & Mentorship Support (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | Rs. 75,000 | Rs. Rs. 75,000 |
| Runner up | Rs. 50,000 | Rs. 50,000 |
Strings Category: Sitar (Age Group – 16 to 25 Years)
Winner Prize: Rs. 1,50,000
Runner Up Prize: Rs. 1,00,000
| Category | Cash Prize (INR) | Training & Mentorship Support (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | Rs. 75,000 | Rs. 75,000 |
| Runner up | Rs. 50,000 | Rs. 50,000 |
Performance Guidelines
Stage 1: Online Applications
Submission Requirements
Sitar
- One video of a Hindustani Classical performance.
- Duration: Minimum 8 minutes, Maximum 12 minutes.
- Performance must be based on a Raag.
- Alap, Jod and/or Gat presentation permitted.
- Accompaniment may be live or electronic.
Tabla
- One video showcasing solo Hindustani Classical Tabla performance.
- Duration: Minimum 8 minutes, Maximum 12 minutes.
- Presentation may include:
Any Taal with the following forms given below:
- Peshkar
- Kaidas
- Relas
- Gats
- Tukdas
- Chakradars
- Traditional compositions
- Lehra accompaniment permitted.
Video Guidelines (Both Categories)
- Video must be recorded in a single continuous take.
- No edits, cuts, audio enhancements, dubbing, or post-production modifications.
- Face, hands, and instrument must remain clearly visible throughout.
- Recording should be recent (within 6 months).
- Landscape orientation preferred.
- Audio and video quality should be reasonably clear.
Disqualification
Entries may be rejected if:
- The audio of the performance has undergone any processing
- Duration exceeds or falls short of specified limits.
- Multiple edits or cuts are detected.
- Instrument is not clearly visible.
- Performance is not primarily Hindustani Classical.
Stage 2: Online Live Auditions
Participants shortlisted from Round 1 shall perform live before the judging panel through Zoom.
The online round will be conducted category-wise in accordance with the schedule
communicated by the Organizer. (Read More)
- Participants shortlisted for Round 2 shall be allotted a specific time slot for their live performance via Zoom or Google Meet.
- Participants are required to join the meeting well in advance and ensure that their internet connection, audio, video, and related equipment are functioning properly.
- Failure to appear within the allotted time slot, or any inability to perform due to internet connectivity issues, power outages, hardware/software malfunctions, or any other technical difficulties at the participant's end, shall be solely the participant's responsibility.
- Dedhia Music Foundation shall not be liable for any disruption, delay, or inability to participate arising from such circumstances.
- Participants who fail to appear or complete their performance during their allotted slot may be deemed absent, and the organizers reserve the right to disqualify such participants or proceed with the competition schedule without rescheduling.
Stage 3 : Live Performance (at NCPA, Mumbai - tentative)
Participants shortlisted for the Grand Finale (Round 3) shall be invited to perform live before an
esteemed panel of judges and a live audience in Mumbai. (Read More)
- 10 finalists will perform live before an esteemed jury and a live audience in Mumbai.
- Each finalist will be allotted 15 minutes, including 3 minutes for setup and sound check and 12 minutes for performance.
- Participants must adhere to the allotted time. Exceeding the time limit may lead to mark deductions or stoppage of performance.
- Accompanying artists will be provided by DMF.
- Sitar: Tabla accompaniment
- Tabla: Harmonium accompaniment
- Participants must report at the designated time and perform in traditional Indian attire. Late reporting may result in disqualification.
- Participants must maintain anonymity and must not reveal their name, city, guru, institution, or other identifying details.
- Participants must bring their own instrument and accessories. DMF will provide basic sound and stage arrangements.
- Any pitch, lehra scale, or tuning requirements must be communicated to the Organizer in advance.
- Performances should be well-structured and aesthetically balanced, with emphasis on musicality, tonal quality, instrument command, raga/taal exposition, creativity, and overall presentation.
- The decision of the judges and the Organizer shall be final and binding. The Organizer may modify the schedule or performance order, if require
