2026 Competition Guidelines
Namaskarams!!
Guruguhaamrta is proud to present the 2026 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 vocal music aged 8 to 30 years as of 1st August 2026.
Q: What are the age categories?
A:
-
Sub-Junior: 8–10 years
-
Junior: 11–14 years
-
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. Kirtanams Requirements
Q: How many kirtanams must be prepared?
A: For both Prelims and Finals
-
Sub-Junior: 3 Dikshitar kirtanams
-
Junior: 5 Dikshitar kirtanams
-
Senior: 10 Dikshitar kirtanams (Mandatory)
Q: Are there restrictions on which Kirtanams can be chosen?
A: Any Dikshitar kirtanam except nottu svarams may be chosen. For the finals, kirtnams must be from the Sangita Sampradaya Pradarshini (SSP) list: Click Here for list of SSP Kirtanams. List of kirtanams can be repeated for the finals (as long as they are listed in SSP).
Q: Do I submit my kirtanam list during registration?
A: No, only at the time of competition.
Q: Should I sing Kirtanams exactly as notated in SSP ?
A: No, You sing as taught by your Guru only. We only request that Kirtanams listed in the SSP be taken for presentation during the competition. Refer to the link for list of SSP Kirtanams (https://www.dikshitar.org/list-ssp-kirtanams)
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 2026 prelims and finals be held?
A:
-
Last date for registrations - Sep 1st
-
Prelims:
-
India – Sep 19, 20
-
Overseas – Oct 3, 4
-
-
Finals: Nov 21–22
-
Prize Distribution: Dec 6 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: Registration will be through website dikshitar.org. Link will be shared on Aug 1st.
Q: What is the registration fee?
A:
-
INR 500 (India participants)
-
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.
Q: What should be done if the payment of registration fees fails due to some issue ?
A: You can try to re-register with the same details and try again. If there are further issues which do not get resolved, please reach out to dikshitar.competition@gmail.com
5. Communication & Logistics
Q: Where will the competition be held?
A: All rounds are online via Zoom.
Q: How will I receive updates?
A: Thruough the official WhatsApp groups:
Q: What if I need a slot change?
A: We can’t guarantee this - howerver, pls request on the whatsapp groups above
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.