Namaskarams!! 

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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 guidelines are important, and would answer many of the common
questions regarding the competitions. Please go through them carefully: 

 

1. General Information

• The competition focuses on song rendition only — no Alapana, Neraval, or Svaram singing is required.

• Open to all students of music between 8 and 30 years (age completed as of 1st August 2025).

• Divided into three age categories:

  • Sub-Junior: 8–10 years

  • Junior: 11–14 years

  • Senior: 15–30 years

• Previous-year winners (Tambura/Cash) are not eligible to participate in the same age category this year.

• Kirtanam requirements:

  • Sub-Junior: 3 Dikshitar kirtanams

  • Junior: 5 Dikshitar kirtanams

  • Senior: 10 Dikshitar kirtanams

• Any Dikshitar kirtanam is allowed except nottu svarams.
   

2. Competition Format

• Two levels: Prelims and Finals.

• Junior and Senior finalists may be asked to learn new kirtanams (to be announced after the prelims).

• All levels will be held on Zoom — details will be shared before the event.
   

3. Registration

• Registration fee:

  • INR 500 for participants from India

  • USD 20 for overseas participants

• Fee waivers are available for those with financial challenges (email: dikshitar.competition@gmail.com).

• Two participation categories: India and Overseas (Prizes will also be awarded separately for these categories).

• Register using the correct name and age category — no changes/refunds for incorrect registrations.
   

4. Important Dates

• Prelims (Online):

  • India: Sep 20–21

  • Overseas: Oct 4–5

  • Specific times announced after registration closes.

• Finals (Online): Nov 22–23

• Prize Distribution: Dec 14 at Chennai (Mylapore) during Dikshitar Day celebrations.
   

5. Song Selection Rules

• Contestants must understand the musical and lyrical aspects of their chosen songs.

• Kirtanam list not required at registration, only at the time of competition.

• Reference list of Dikshitar kirtanams (SSP) available here: SSP Dikshitar List

  • Prelims: SSP list is optional

  • Finals: SSP list is mandatory
     

6. Other Notes

• No individual feedback will be provided during or after the competition.

• Paid teaching sessions available for building a repertoire — email: dikshitar.competition@gmail.com for details.
   

7. Communication & Clarifications

• Dedicated WhatsApp groups:

  • Participants from India: Join Here

  • Overseas Participants: Join Here