Competition Guidelines
Namaskarams!!
Guruguhaamrta is proud to present the 2025 competition of Muddusvami Dikshitar kirtanams for students of vocal music. Year after year, the competition has gained credibility and interest among the student and musicians’ community for its serious, focussed and academic approach to the works of Dikshitar. Winners are awarded Tambura and Cash prizes.
The following FAQs below cover the guidelines of the competition. Please go through them carefully:
1. Competition Basics
Q: What is the focus of the competition?
A: Song rendition only. No Alapana, Neraval, or Svaram singing is required.
Q: Who can participate?
A: Students of music aged 8 to 30 years as of 1st August 2025.
Q: What are the age categories?
A:
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Sub-Junior: 8–10 years
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Junior: 11–14 years
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Senior: 15–30 years
Q: Can previous winners participate?
A: Winners of Tambura or Cash prizes in the same age category in the previous year cannot participate again in that category.
2. Song Requirements
Q: How many kirtanams must be prepared?
A:
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Sub-Junior: 3 Dikshitar kirtanams
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Junior: 5 Dikshitar kirtanams
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Senior: 10 Dikshitar kirtanams
Q: Are there restrictions on which songs can be chosen?
A: Any Dikshitar kirtanam except nottu svarams may be chosen. For the finals, songs must be from the Sangita Sampradaya Pradarshini (SSP) list: SSP Dikshitar List.
Q: Do I submit my song list during registration?
A: No, only at the time of competition.
3. Competition Format & Dates
Q: How is the competition structured?
A: Two levels — Prelims and Finals. Junior and Senior finalists may be asked to learn new kirtanams (announced after prelims).
Q: When will the prelims and finals be held?
A:
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Prelims:
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India – Sep 20–21
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Overseas – Oct 4–5
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Finals: Nov 22–23
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Prize Distribution: Dec 14 in Chennai (Mylapore) during Dikshitar Day celebrations.
Q: Can I choose my prelim date?
A: Dates will be allocated based on category and number of participants. If you have unavoidable conflicts, you can request a change after you receive your schedule.
Q: How will I know my competition date and time?
A: Individual emails with date, time, and Zoom details will be sent after registration closes. Check spam/junk folders if you don’t see the email.
4. Registration & Fees
Q: How to register for the competition
A:
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India participants - Click here
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Overseas participants - Click here
Q: What is the registration fee?
A:
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INR 500 (India participants)
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USD 20 (Overseas participants)
Q: Is there a fee waiver?
A: Yes, for those with financial challenges — email dikshitar.competition@gmail.com.
Q: What if I entered wrong details during registration?
A: Registrations cannot be modified or refunded once submitted.
5. Communication & Logistics
Q: Where will the competition be held?
A: All rounds are online via Zoom.
Q: How will I receive updates?
A: Through registered email and the official WhatsApp groups:
Q: What if I need a slot change?
A: Reply to the email you received with your slot details. Changes will only be processed for requests made via that email.
Q: What if I haven’t received my schedule email?
A: Check your spam/junk folders. If still missing, contact the organisers with your registered email ID.
6. Learning Support
Q: Can organisers help me learn the required songs?
A: Yes, paid teaching sessions are available through their teacher network. Email dikshitar.competition@gmail.com for details.
7. Feedback & Evaluation
Q: Will I get feedback after my performance?
A: No individual feedback will be given during or after the competition.