Contests & Competitions
Saptami Foundation
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This is ONLY for DANCE Contest Select winners from 2025 and 2024 Nationals. Please register to secure your slot. Your slot and date will be given in September, but the Season is between Dec 25-30, 2026, and your slot can be in any one day and we will give you a 4-hour window to be present at the hall. Unfortunately, we can specify which day your slot will be and that will be clear only as the Sabha plans. You will be required to commit for that 4 hour rage and your performance will be within that range. Duration of your slot and all other details will be shared after registration is complete. Your Conference registration fee includes all fliers, posters and banners that Sabha prepares for you and any magazine / newspaper publicity for your program that we do in addition to other administrative and hall fees.
This is ONLY for MUSIC - VOCAL, INSTRUMENTAL, HARIKATHA Contest Select winners from 2025 and 2024 Nationals. Please register to secure your slot. Your slot and date will be given in September, but the Season is between Dec 25-30, 2026, and your slot can be in any one day and we will give you a 4-hour window to be present at the hall. Unfortunately, we can specify which day your slot will be and that will be clear only as the Sabha plans. You will be required to commit for that 4 hour rage and your performance will be within that range. Duration of your slot and all other details will be shared after registration is complete. Your Conference registration fee includes all fliers, posters and banners that Sabha prepares for you and any magazine / newspaper publicity for your program that we do in addition to other administrative and hall fees.
2026-SAPTAMI XVII- *FINALS* - VOCAL SOLO - Geetham, Jathiswaram, Swarajathi
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
MUSIC
Read the general rules for the VOCAL Contests specified. In addition, 1. If you are registering for solo, please proceed here. All group participants must register under group individually (each member of the group must register separately there and follow the rules as specified above. 2. All candidates in this level must be ready with 3 items of any combination - geetham, swarajathi, jathiswaram in three different ragas. 3. You will be given 5 min to complete and during this time judges may ask you full or a portion from different pieces from your list. There will be a form sent out to you few days before which you must complete and bring to the contest facility with your song list. We will also provide a google form prior to your arrival where you can specify the song list as well. 4. There will be two age categories in this event - Sub Junior Ages 9 and below. and Junior ages 10 to 13. Age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year5. Participants must not use any notebook or book and must only sing from memory. You must bring your own shruti box.
2026-SAPTAMI XVII- *FINALS* -VOCAL SOLO - VARNAM LEVEL 1
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
MUSIC
Please read all the rules under Vocal Contests. In addition, 1. Only Solo candidates can register here. For group participants there is a separate link to register. 2. Time limit is 5 min max. 3. Only Adi Taala Varnam with no Manodharamam. 4. You must prepare 3 Varnams and all Varnams listed must be from different ragams. 5. Judge may ask questions and make you sing from any of the song from your choices. Judges may ask you full or a portion from different pieces from your list. There will be a form sent out to you few days before which you must complete and bring to the contest facility with your song list. We will also provide a google form prior to your arrival where you can specify the song list as well. 6. There will be three age categories - Sub - Juniors - Age 9 and below. Juniors - Age 10 - 13. Seniors - 14 and above. Age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year. . 7. Candidates taking part in Varnam Level 1 can take part in Geetham / Swarajathi / Jathiswaram and if you do you will not be able to take part in Krithi Level 1. 8. Participants must not use any notebook or book and must only sing from memory. You must bring your own shruti box.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - VOCAL SOLO KRITHI LEVEL I
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
MUSIC
Please review all the rules under Vocal Contests. In addition, 1. You must prepare 3 Krithis in three different ragams.2. You will be given 6 min max. judges may ask you full or a portion from different pieces from your list. There will be a form sent out to you few days before which you must complete and bring to the contest facility with your song list. We will also provide a google form prior to your arrival where you can specify the song list as well. 3. No Manodharam required in this level. 4. Group participants must not register here. There will be separate category. 5. There will be three age groups - Sub Juniors age 9 and below, Juniors - 10 to 13 years of age. Seniors 14 and above. All age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year. 6. We will allow Krithis composed by traditional carnatic music composers ONLY. The devotional category will allow ONLY Bhajans, Nama Sankeerthanams and Devar namas. 7. Participants must not use any notebook or book and must only sing from memory. You must bring your own shruti box.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - VOCAL SOLO - VARNAM LEVEL 2
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
MUSIC
In addition to all the above rules, 1. Candidates must prepare 4 varnams in 4 different ragams and Varnams must be Adi and Ata Tala pieces.2. All 4 pieces must be masted with associated theory and Manodharmam is required at this level. Judges may ask a full or portions from your list. 3. Time limit is 6 min. 4. There will be three age groups - Sub Junior - age 9 and below. Junior - 10 to 13 years of age and seniors above 14 years. Age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year. 5. All participants can download certificate from the account few days after the event. 6. Students participating in Level II cannot take part in any Level I contests. Any students participating in Varnam Level II can take part in any of the Manodharmam categories. It is enough to be pre qualified in one Manodharmam category during prelims.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - VOCAL SOLO - KRITHI LEVEL 2
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
MUSIC
In addition to all the above rules, 1. Candidates must prepare 4 Krithis in 4 different ragams..2. All 4 pieces must be masted with associated theory and Manodharmam is required at this level. Judges may ask a full or portions from your list. 3. Time limit is 6 min. 4. There will be three age groups - Sub Junior - age 9 and below. Junior - 10 to 13 years of age and seniors above 14 years. Age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year. 5. Only Krithis composed by traditional composers are allowed. If you are singing Devar Namas, Bhajans, Nama Sankeerthanams then you must register under Devotional categories. 6. Students participating in Level II cannot take part in any Level I contests. Any students participating in Varnam Level II can take part in any of the Manodharmam categories. It is enough to be pre qualified in one Manodharmam category during prelims.
2026-SAPTAMI XVII-*FINALS*-VOCAL SOLO - NIRAVAL LEVEL 2.
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
MUSIC
In addition to all the above rules, 1. 3 Ragas minimum must be mastered for this segment.2. Candidates participating in this must have enough years of learning as expectation in Level 2 is higher. 3. Time limit is 7 min max. Theory questions will be asked. 4. There will be two age groups - Junior - up to 13 years of age and seniors above 14 years. Age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year. 5. All participants can download certificate from the account few days after the event. 6. Students participating in Level II cannot take part in any Level I contests. Any students participating in Varnam Level II can take part in any of the Manodharmam categories. It is enough to be pre qualified in one Manodharmam category during prelims.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - VOCAL SOLO - VIRUTHAM LEVEL 2
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
MUSIC
In addition to all the above rules, 1. 3 Ragas minimum must be mastered for this segment in each Virutham and candidates must give 2 choices of Virtuthams.2. Candidates participating in this must have enough years of learning as expectation in Level 2 is higher. 3. Time limit is 7 min max. Theory questions will be asked. 4. There will be two age groups - Junior - up to 13 years of age and seniors above 14 years. Age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year. 5. All participants can download certificate from the account few days after the event. 6. Students participating in Level II cannot take part in any Level I contests. Any students participating in this category can take part in any of the Manodharmam categories. It is enough to be pre qualified in one Manodharmam category during prelims.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - * FINALS* - VOCAL SOLO - KALPANASWARAMS LEVEL 2
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
MUSIC
In addition to all the above rules, 1. 3 Ragas minimum must be mastered for this segment.2. Candidates participating in this must have enough years of learning as expectation in Level 2 is higher. 3. Time limit is 7 min max. Theory questions will be asked. 4. There will be two age groups - Junior - up to 13 years of age and seniors above 14 years. Age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year. 5. All participants can download certificate from the account few days after the event. 6. Students participating in Level II cannot take part in any Level I contests. Any students participating in this category can take part in any of the Manodharmam categories. It is enough to be pre qualified in one Manodharmam category during prelims.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - VOCAL SOLO - ALAPANA LEVEL 2
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
MUSIC
In addition to all the above rules, 1. 3 Ragams.2. All 3 Ragams must be masted with associated theory and Manodharmam is required at this level. Judges may ask a full or portions from your list. 3. Time limit is 7 min. 4. There will be three age groups - Sub Junior - age 9 and below. Junior - 10 to 13 years of age and seniors above 14 years. Age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year. 5. All participants can download certificate from the account few days after the event. 6. Students participating in Level II cannot take part in any Level I contests. Any students participating in this l;evel can take part in any of the Manodharmam categories. It is enough to be pre-qualified in one Manodharmam category during prelims.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - VOCAL SOLO - RTP - LEVEL 3
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
MUSIC
In addition to other rules,1. The competition is NOT restricted to the compositions of St. Thyagaraja. While performing the Pallavi of your preference, please state the raga, tala and composer of the songs in addition to the first few words of the sahitya.2. The judges will choose from the five ragas you listed and ask questions.3. The judges may also probe your knowledge of music theory, and may ask you to demonstrate various aspects of musical theory.4. The Candidates taking part in this cannot take part in Krithi Level 2 and Varnam Level 2. If you take part your award may be invalid in those tracks.5. You time allocated is 12 min. You may be allowed to have accompanying artistes.6. Candidates taking part in this segment if recommended will get to perform in Chennai Sabha during 2027.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - VOCAL SOLO - CONCERT COMPETITION - LEVEL 3
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
MUSIC
In addition to the above rules, 1. All applicants must submit five (5) krithis in the declaration form which will be sent out. 2. The Krithis must be by traditional classical music composers. While listing the krithis of your preference, please state the raga, tala and composer of the songs in addition to the first few words of the sahitya.3. The judges will choose from the five krithis in your application. You may be asked to sing the krithi, alapana in its raga, niraval, kalpana swaram, or any combination of those. The judges will choose what you will perform on stage.4. The judges may also probe your knowledge of music theory, and may ask you to demonstrate various aspects of musical theory.5. You will be given 20 min. 6. You can have accompanying artistes for this track. 7. Participants in this segment will get to perform in Saptami Sabha Chennai during 2026. 8. Participants in this track cannot take part only in RTP which is in Level 3. 9. Winner of this track will get the title "SAPTAMI SUPER STAR".
2026 - SAPTAMI XVI - *FINALS* - VOCAL GROUP - Geetham/Swarajathi/Jathiswaram
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
MUSIC
EVERY MEMBER OF THE GROUP MUST REGISTER HERE INDIVIDUALLY. In addition to the above rules,1. Each member of the group MUST register individually here. 2. In the Declaration form each group must complete all member IDs and full names of the members of the group. 3. Age for each participant cannot exceed 13. 4. The group will be allocated 10 min to sing 2 songs. 5. Synchornization and rendition will be judged. 6. If group wants, they can decide to have accompanying artistes. 7. Each member of the group will get separate certificate which can be downloaded few days after the event. 8. Group participation need not have pre-qualification done. They can directly register for the finals. 9. THIS IS NOT A SOLO EVENT. Group must have 3 to 7 members (excluding accompanying artistes).
EVERY MEMBER OF THE GROUP MUST REGISTER HERE INDIVIDUALLY. In addition to the above rules,1. Each member of the group MUST register individually here. 2. In the Declaration form each group must complete all member IDs and full names of the members of the group. 3. There will be two age groups for this category. - Junior age 13 and below and Senior 14 and above. All age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year.. 4. The group will be allocated 10 min to sing 2 songs. 5. Synchornization and rendition will be judged. 6. If group wants, they can decide to have accompanying artistes. 7. Each member of the group will get separate certificate which can be downloaded few days after the event. 8. Group participation need not have pre-qualification done. They can directly register for the finals. 9. THIS IS NOT A SOLO EVENT. Group must have 3 to 7 members (excluding accompanying artistes).
EVERY MEMBER OF THE GROUP MUST REGISTER HERE INDIVIDUALLY. In addition to the above rules,1. Each member of the group MUST register individually here. 2. In the Declaration form each group must complete all member IDs and full names of the members of the group. 3. There will be two age groups for this category. - Junior age 13 and below and Senior 14 and above. All age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year.. 4. The group will be allocated 12 min to sing 2 songs. 5. Synchornization and rendition will be judged. 6. If group wants, they can decide to have accompanying artistes. 7. Each member of the group will get separate certificate which can be downloaded few days after the event. 8. Group participation need not have pre-qualification done. They can directly register for the finals. 9. THIS IS NOT A SOLO EVENT. Group must have 3 to 7 members (excluding accompanying artistes).
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - VOCAL SOLO - DEVOTIONAL / HINDUSTANI LEVEL 1
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
MUSIC
In addition to the above rules,1. This segment MUST contain ONLY - Bhajans, Namasankeerthanams, Devar Namas, Sampradhaya Bhajans. Any Annamacharya or Dasa Krithis must be under Vocal Krithis track and not this track. 2. All Hindustani vocal candidates also must register here and while conducting the contests they will have separate judging and awards. 3. Age limit for this track is 13 and below and age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year. 4. You are allowed a maximum of 5 min. 5. If you are taking part in level 2 in other vocal categories, you cannot take part in this category.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - VOCAL SOLO - DEVOTIONAL / HINDUSTANI LEVEL 2
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
MUSIC
In addition to the above rules.1. Time Limit 6 min. 2. Age - Junior 13 and below and seniors 14 and above. Age as of Sep 1 of this year. 3. This is meant for candidates who can sing little advanced level Bhajans, Devar Namas, Sampradhaya Bhajans and Abhangs. 4. Hindustani Vocal candidates must register here but judging and awards will be separate.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - VOCAL SOLO - DEVOTIONAL / HINDUSTANI LEVEL 3
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
MUSIC
In addition to the above rules,1. Time Limit 7 min2. Only Hari Katha type of presentation is allowed.3. Age segment - Junior 13 and below and Senior 14 and above. Age as of Sep 1 of this year. 4. Accompanying artistes can be allowed in this segment. 5. All Hindustani Vocal candidates must register here and judging and awards will be separate.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - VOCAL GROUP - DEVOTIONAL
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
MUSIC
EVERY MEMBER OF THE GROUP MUST REGISTER HERE INDIVIDUALLY. In addition to the above rules,1. Each member of the group MUST register individually here. 2. In the Declaration form each group must complete all member IDs and full names of the members of the group. 3. There will be two age groups for this category. - Junior age 13 and below and Senior 14 and above. All age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year.. 4. The group will be allocated 10 min to sing 2 songs. 5. Synchornization and rendition will be judged. 6. If group wants, they can decide to have accompanying artistes. 7. Each member of the group will get separate certificate which can be downloaded few days after the event. 8. Group participation need not have pre-qualification done. They can directly register for the finals. 9. THIS IS NOT A SOLO EVENT. Group must have 3 to 7 members (excluding accompanying artistes).
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - DANCE SOLO - BHARATANATYAM LEVEL 1
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
DANCE
In addition to the above rules, 1. Age categories in this track are - Sub-Juniors 9 and below. Juniors 10 to 13. No one 14 and above can take part in this. You cannot take part in Level 2 and 3 if you are in Level 1. Age must be as Sep 1 of this year.2. Items allowed - Nrithya, Abhinaya, Padam, Small Keethanams, Kouthuvam, Pushpanjali. 3. Time Limit - 6 min.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - * FINALS* - DANCE SOLO - BHARATANATAYAM LEVEL 2
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
DANCE
In addition to the above rules, 1. Age categories - Sub Juniors - 9 and below. Juniors 10 - 13. Seniors 14 and above. You cannot take part in Level 1 or 3 if you are taking part in Level 2. Age as of Sep 1 of this year. 2. Items - Thillana or a portion of a thillana. Advanced Keerthanams. Mallari. 3. Time Limit is 7 min max. Judges my ask you to stop earlier if they have enough points to score you.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - DANCE SOLO - BHARATANATYAM LEVEL 3
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
DANCE
In addition to the above rules1. All under one category and not separated by age. Students taking part in Level 3 can compete in Performance Competition but not in Level 1 and 2. 2. Items allowed - VARNAM or PORTIONS OF A VARNAM. 3. Time allowed - 9 min max. Judges may ask you to stop earlier. 4. Select participants from this category will be recommended to perform for Saptami Sabha Chennai during Season 2027.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - DANCE SOLO - BHARATANATYAM PERFORMANCE COMPETITION.
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
DANCE
In addition to the above rules.1. There is not age limit or age restriction. Students taking part in this level can compete in Level 3 but not in Level 1 and 2. 2. Time limit - 20 min.3. Tracks needed - 1. Varnam or a portion of Varnam - 8 min max. 2. Your favorite piece - 4 min max, 4. On the spot choreography - You will be given a track on the day and you must choreograph for that on the spot.5. Theory questions will be asked. 6. Winner from this segment will be declared as "SAPTAMI SUPER STAR". Select partici[ants in this category will get invitation to perform in Chennai Sabha in 2027. 7. This segment is only for students who are near Arangetram or post Arangetram.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - DANCE GROUP PARTICIPANT - BHARATANATYAM LEVEL 1
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
DANCE
EVERY MEMBER OF THE GROUP MUST REGISTER HERE INDIVIDUALLY. In addition to the above rules. 1. Every member of the group MUST register separately. In the declaration form which will be sent out, the group can fill out a form with all members names and IDs added. 2. There will be two age categories allowed - Age 9 and below and age 10-13. All members of the group MUST be in this age categories. No mixing of ages allowed. 3. Items allowed are - Any song with focus on Nrithya and Abhinaya, Kouthuvam, Small Keerthanams. Pushpanjali. 4. Time allowed - 6 min
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - DANCE GROUP PARTICIPANT- BHARATANATYAM LEVEL 2
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
DANCE
EVERY MEMBER OF THE GROUP MUST REGISTER HERE INDIVIDUALLY. In addition to the above rules. 1. Every member of the group MUST register separately. In the declaration form which will be sent out, the group can fill out a form with all members names and IDs added. 2. There will be three age categories allowed - Sub Juniors Age 9 and below, Juniors - age 10-13 and Seniors - Age 14 and above. All members of the group MUST be in this age categories. No mixing of ages allowed. 3. Items allowed are - Thillana or Portions of Thillana, Advanced Keerthanams. Mallari. 4. Time limit - Max 7 min.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - DANCE GROUP PARTICIPANT- BHARATANATYAM - LEVEL 3
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
DANCE
EVERY MEMBER OF THE GROUP MUST REGISTER HERE INDIVIDUALLY. In addition to the above rules. 1. Every member of the group MUST register separately. In the declaration form which will be sent out, the group can fill out a form with all members names and IDs added. 2. There will be no age category in this track. No age restrictions.3. Items allowed are - Varnam or Portions of varnam.4. Time limit is 9 min max.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - DANCE SOLO - KUCHIPUDI LEVEL 1
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
DANCE
In addition to the above rules, 1. Two age categories - Sub Junior 9 and below. Junior 10 to 13. Age as of Sep 1 of this year. Cannot take part in Level 2 and 3. 2. Items allowed are - Ganapati Vandana / Pushpanjali, Shabdam, Small Keerthanams, Kouthuvam.3. Time limit - 6 min.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - DANCE SOLO - KUCHIPUDI LEVEL 2
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
DANCE
In addition to the above rules,1. Age categories - Sub Junior 9 and below. Junior Age 10 to 13. Senior 14 and above. Age as of Sep 1 of this year. Cannot take part in Level 1 or 3. 2. Items allowed - Simple Thillana or equivalent, Jatiswaram (Intermediate), Shabdam, Keerthanam, Devi Kriti – Example: “Annapoorne Visalakshi” or “Jaya Jaya Devi” (with dramatic abhinaya).3. Time limit - 7 min max. 4. By registering in this competition, you are giving permission to organizer and SAPTAMI FOUNDATION the rights to publish your photo/video of the performance in social media / press. Like us at Facebook. STOP !!! ARE YOU FINALS QUALIFIER? IF SO, PROCEED TO REGISTER. ELSE PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - DANCE SOLO - KUCHIPUDI LEVEL 3
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
DANCE
In addition to the rules above, 1. Age no restriction and no age category in this. Can take part in Performance Competition but not in Level 1 or 2. 2. Items allowed - Tarangam (Full Traditional), Padam or Javali, Keerthanam (Advanced), Dance Drama Excerpt (Solo portrayal), Tarangini or Tillana3. Time limit - 9 min max. 4. Select performers from this category will be recommended for Saptami Sabha Chennai during the season 2027.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - DANCE SOLO - KUCHIPUDI PERFORMANCE COMPETITION.
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
DANCE
In addition to the above rules.1. There is not age limit or age restriction. Can take part in Level 3 but not in Level 1 or 2. 2. Time limit - 20 min.3. Tracks needed - 1. Varnam or a portion of Varnam, Tarangam - 8 min max. 2. Your favorite piece - 4 min max, 4. On the spot choreography - You will be given a track on the day and you must choreograph for that on the spot.5. Theory questions will be asked. 6. Winner from this segment will be declared as "SAPTAMI SUPER STAR". Select participants in this category will get invited to perform in Chennai in 2027 Season. 7. This segment is only for students who are near Rengaprvesam and Post Rengapravesam.
2026-SAPTAMI XVII- *FINALS* - INSTRMENTAL SOLO - Geetham, Jathiswaram, Swarajathi
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
INSTRUMENTAL
In addition to the rules above, 1. Time allowed is 5 min max.2. Age category - Sub Junior 9 and below, Junior 10 - 13. Age as of Sep 1 of this year. 3. Students in this category can take part in Varnam Level 1 but not in Krithi Level 1 or any of the level 2 and level 3 events.
2026-SAPTAMI XVII- *FINALS* -INSTRUMENTAL SOLO - VARNAM LEVEL 1
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
INSTRUMENTAL
Please read all the rules under Vocal Contests. In addition, 1. Only Solo candidates can register here. 2. Time limit is 5 min max. 3. Only Adi Taala Varnam with no Manodharamam. 4. You must prepare 3 Varnams and all Varnams listed must be from different ragams. 5. Judge may ask questions and make you sing from any of the song from your choices. Judges may ask you full or a portion from different pieces from your list. There will be a form sent out to you few days before which you must complete and bring to the contest facility with your song list. We will also provide a google form prior to your arrival where you can specify the song list as well. 6. There will be three age categories - Sub - Juniors - Age 9 and below. Juniors - Age 10 - 13. Seniors - 14 and above. Age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year. . 7. Candidates taking part in Varnam Level 1 can take part in Geetham / Swarajathi / Jathiswaram and if you do you will not be able to take part in Krithi Level 1. 8. Participants must not use any notebook or book and must only sing from memory. You must bring your own shruti box.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - INST SOLO KRITHI LEVEL I
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
INSTRUMENTAL
Please review all the rules under Vocal Contests. In addition, 1. You must prepare 3 Krithis in three different ragams.2. You will be given 6 min max. judges may ask you full or a portion from different pieces from your list. There will be a form sent out to you few days before which you must complete and bring to the contest facility with your song list. We will also provide a google form prior to your arrival where you can specify the song list as well. 3. No Manodharam required in this level. 5. There will be three age groups - Sub Juniors age 9 and below, Juniors - 10 to 13 years of age. Seniors 14 and above. All age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year. 6. We will allow Krithis composed by traditional carnatic music composers ONLY. 7. Participants must not use any notebook or book and must only perform from memory. You must bring your own shruti box.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - INST SOLO - VARNAM LEVEL 2
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
INSTRUMENTAL
In addition to all the above rules, 1. Candidates must prepare 4 varnams in 4 different ragams and Varnams must be Adi and Ata Tala pieces.2. All 4 pieces must be masted with associated theory and Manodharmam is required at this level. Judges may ask a full or portions from your list. 3. Time limit is 6 min. 4. There will be three age groups - Sub Junior - age 9 and below. Junior - 10 to 13 years of age and seniors above 14 years. Age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year. 5. All participants can download certificate from the account few days after the event. 6. Students participating in Level II cannot take part in any Level I contests. Any students participating in Varnam Level II can take part in any of the Manodharmam categories. It is enough to be pre qualified in one Manodharmam category during prelims.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - INST SOLO - KRITHI LEVEL 2
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
INSTRUMENTAL
In addition to all the above rules, 1. Candidates must prepare 4 Krithis in 4 different ragams..2. All 4 pieces must be masted with associated theory and Manodharmam is required at this level. Judges may ask a full or portions from your list. 3. Time limit is 6 min. 4. There will be three age groups - Sub Junior - age 9 and below. Junior - 10 to 13 years of age and seniors above 14 years. Age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year. 5. Only Krithis composed by traditional composers are allowed. No Devar Namas, Bhajans, Nama Sankeerthanams. 6. Students participating in Level II cannot take part in any Level I contests. Any students participating in Varnam Level II can take part in any of the Manodharmam categories. It is enough to be pre qualified in one Manodharmam category during prelims.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - * FINALS* - INST SOLO - KALPANASWARAMS LEVEL 2
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
INSTRUMENTAL
In addition to all the above rules, 1. 3 Ragas minimum must be mastered for this segment.2. Candidates participating in this must have enough years of learning as expectation in Level 2 is higher. 3. Time limit is 7 min max. Theory questions will be asked. 4. There will be two age groups - Junior - up to 13 years of age and seniors above 14 years. Age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year. 5. All participants can download certificate from the account few days after the event. 6. Students participating in Level II cannot take part in any Level I contests. Any students participating in this category can take part in any of the Manodharmam categories. It is enough to be pre qualified in one Manodharmam category during prelims.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - INST SOLO - ALAPANA LEVEL 2
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
INSTRUMENTAL
In addition to all the above rules, 1. 3 Ragams.2. All 3 Ragams must be masted with associated theory and Manodharmam is required at this level. Judges may ask a full or portions from your list. 3. Time limit is 7 min. 4. There will be three age groups - Sub Junior - age 9 and below. Junior - 10 to 13 years of age and seniors above 14 years. Age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year. 5. All participants can download certificate from the account few days after the event. 6. Students participating in Level II cannot take part in any Level I contests. Any students participating in this level can take part in any of the Manodharmam categories. It is enough to be pre-qualified in one Manodharmam category during prelims.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - INST SOLO - CONCERT COMPETITION - LEVEL 3
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
INSTRUMENTAL
In addition to the above rules, 1. All applicants must submit five (5) krithis in the declaration form which will be sent out. 2. The Krithis must be by traditional classical music composers. While listing the krithis of your preference, please state the raga, tala and composer of the songs in addition to the first few words of the sahitya.3. The judges will choose from the five krithis in your application. You may be asked to sing the krithi, alapana in its raga, niraval, kalpana swaram, or any combination of those. The judges will choose what you will perform on stage.4. The judges may also probe your knowledge of music theory, and may ask you to demonstrate various aspects of musical theory.5. You will be given 20 min. 6. You can have accompanying artistes for this track. 7. Participants in this segment will get to perform in Saptami Sabha Chennai during 2026. 8. Participants in this track cannot take part only in RTP which is in Level 3. 9. Winner of this track will get the title "SAPTAMI SUPER STAR".
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - * FINALS* - Percussion (INST) LEVEL 1
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
INSTRUMENTAL
Eligibility:- The competition is an individual event. Groups will not be allowed to enter.- The competition is split into two categories by age: Sub Juniors - 13 and below, Juniors - 14-18.Age should be calculated as of Sep 1.Requirement:- All applicants must prepare three (2) talas - Adi, Rupaka.- The judges will ask and choose which of those talas must be performed on stage. If the contestant is unable to perform in the tala that the judges have selected, he/she may be disqualified.- A maximum time limit of seven (7) minutes will be imposed. A buzzer will signal the conclusion of the allotted time.- The judges may also request the contestant to stop before the allotted time.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - * FINALS* - INST SOLO (PERCUSSION) - LEVEL 2
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
INSTRUMENTAL
Eligibility:- The competition is an individual event. Groups will not be allowed to enter.- The competition is split into two categories by age: Juniors - 14 and below and Juniors - 15 +..Age should be calculated as of Sep 1.Requirement:- All applicants must prepare more than 3 taalas.- Adi, Rupaka, Misra Chapu, Khanda Chapu or more variations. - The judges will ask and choose which of those talas must be performed on stage. If the contestant is unable to perform in the tala that the judges have selected, he/she may be disqualified.- A maximum time limit of seven (7) minutes will be imposed. A buzzer will signal the conclusion of the allotted time.- The judges may also request the contestant to stop before the allotted time.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - INST SOLO - DEVOTIONAL / HINDUSTANI LEVEL 1
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
INSTRUMENTAL
In addition to the above rules,1. This segment MUST contain ONLY - Bhajans, Namasankeerthanams, Devar Namas, Sampradhaya Bhajans. Any Annamacharya or Dasa Krithis must be under INST Krithis track and not this track. 2. All Hindustani instrumental candidates also must register here and while conducting the contests they will have separate judging and awards. 3. Age limit for this track is 13 and below and age must be calculated as of Sep 1 of this year. 4. You are allowed a maximum of 5 min. 5. If you are taking part in level 2 in other INST categories, you cannot take part in this category.
2026 - SAPTAMI XVII - *FINALS* - INST SOLO - DEVOTIONAL / HINDUSTANI LEVEL 2
November 22, 2026 to November 22, 2026
INSTRUMENTAL
In addition to the above rules.1. Time Limit 6 min. 2. Age - Junior 13 and below and seniors 14 and above. Age as of Sep 1 of this year. 3. This is meant for candidates who can sing little advanced level Bhajans, Devar Namas, Sampradhaya Bhajans and Abhangs. 4. Hindustani INST candidates must register here but judging and awards will be separate.