Terms & Conditions

1. Acceptance of Terms

By registering for the Bharatanatyam Competition, booking tickets for the Classical Dance Shows, or submitting any material to YAGNA 2026, you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms & Conditions. If you do not agree to these terms, you must not proceed with registration or ticket booking.

2. About YAGNA & the Organisers

YAGNA 2026 (“Art Becomes an Offering”) is a classical dance festival presented collaboratively by:

• Vyshnavam Natyakalagriham - Artistic Directors: Dr. Anandhu Anilkumar & Arathy Anilkumar. A classical dance institution rooted in Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam, with active centres in Kochi, Pune and online.
• Natyasatvaa Kalaa Kendra - Artistic Director: Dhanya S Menon. A classical dance institution dedicated to the study and practice of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi, with centres across PCMC.

Festival Directors: Anandhu AnilKumar & Dhanya S. Menon.

3. Eligibility & Age Categories

The Bharatanatyam Competition is a solo competition open to candidates falling under three age categories:

• Category A: Ages 11 to 16 years
• Category B: Ages 17 to 24 years
• Category C: Ages 25 years and above

Eligibility is determined by the candidate’s date of birth. For minor participants (under 18 years of age at the time of registration), verifiable parent or legal guardian consent is mandatory.

4. Registration & Fee

• The registration fee is ₹1,000 per participant for the Solo Categories:
  • Category A - Pallava
  • Category B - Pratibha
  • Category C - Praveenya
• The registration fee for the Group Category (Category D - Manjari) is ₹2,500 per group.
• Registrations will close on 20 November 2026. Fees collected will be utilised towards event management, adjudication and stage infrastructure.
• Participants must complete and submit the registration form with all the required details.
• Upon successful submission of the registration form, an automated email containing the payment QR code will be sent to the registered email address.
• Participants must complete the payment and submit the payment confirmation along with the transaction ID through the prescribed channel.
• Participation will be considered confirmed only upon receipt and verification of the payment confirmation by the organisers.
• Submission of the registration form alone does not guarantee or confirm participation. Registration will be considered complete only after the payment has been received and verified by the organisers.

Refund Policy

Registration fees are strictly non-refundable under all circumstances, including withdrawal of participation, disqualification, or inability to attend the event.

5. Selection Process & Key Dates

The selection process comprises three distinct stages:

• Round 1 - Online Video Audition: Submission of a 2–3 minute solo Bharatanatyam dance video through the official Google Form on or before 20 November 2026.
• Round 2 - Offline Audition: Candidates selected from the online round will be invited to attend this offline audition on 28 November 2026. Venue: Acharya Atre Rang Mandir, Pimpri, Pune. Maximum duration: 6 minutes.
• Round 3 - Grand Finale: Held on 4 December 2026. The top five candidates from each age category will be selected for the Grand Finale. Venue: Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Kalamandir, Pune. Maximum duration: 8 minutes.

6. Performance Requirements & Time Limits

Participants may present any traditional Bharatanatyam composition (rachana) within the allocated time limit:

• Round 1 (Online): 2–3 minutes
• Round 2 (Offline): Maximum 6 minutes
• Round 3 (Grand Finale): Maximum 8 minutes

The performance must include both Nritta (pure dance) and Nritya (expressional dance / abhinaya). Participants should demonstrate both technical proficiency and expressive depth.

7. Dress Code

• Round 2 (Offline Audition - 28 November 2026): Practice saree for female participants; practice dhoti for male participants.
• Round 3 (Grand Finale - 4 December 2026): Traditional Bharatanatyam costume, proper stage makeup, and traditional dance jewellery are compulsory.

8. Music & Audio Submissions

Live orchestra is strictly not permitted at any stage of the competition. Participants must submit clear, high-quality pre-recorded audio tracks to the official event email ID.

• Each audio track must be clearly labelled with the participant’s full name and token number (token numbers are sent to the registered mobile number).
• For offline rounds, participants must carry a backup copy of their track on a USB drive (pendrive).

9. Judging & Decisions

The competition is evaluated by an independent panel of distinguished gurus and classical dance experts. The organisers are committed to a fair, transparent, and unbiased evaluation.

The judges’ decisions are final and binding on all participants. Decisions are not open to appeal under the competition rules, subject to applicable law.

10. Awards & Recognition

Attractive cash prizes, trophies, and formal awards will be presented to winners during the grand ceremony concluding the festival.

11. Ticketed Classical Dance Shows

The Classical Dance Shows is a special ticketed programme featuring renowned classical dance artists, celebrating the richness of India’s classical dance heritage. Date, venue, and ticketing schedules will be announced on the official website.

Tickets issued are valid strictly for the stated shows programme.

12. Participant Conduct & Disqualification

Participants, accompanists, and guardians must maintain decorum, respect fellow artists, and uphold the sanctity of the classical arts. Disrespectful behaviour, falsification of age or identity, or violation of audition time limits may lead to disqualification at the sole discretion of the organisers.

13. Photography, Recording & Media Documentation

YAGNA 2026 and its organisers reserve the right to photograph, film, and record performances across all festival rounds for non-commercial documentation, educational archival, and festival promotion.

14. Changes, Postponement & Cancellation

The organisers reserve the right to reschedule round timings, modify venues, or adjust schedules if necessitated by unforeseen logistical or regulatory circumstances. Timely updates will be communicated to the registered email address and phone number.

Refund Policy: Registration fees are strictly non-refundable under all circumstances, including withdrawal of participation, disqualification, or inability to attend the event.

15. Intellectual Property

All trademarks, brand names, visual logos, festival graphics, and written content on this website are the intellectual property of Vyshnavam Natyakalagriham and Natyasatvaa Kalaa Kendra.

16. Limitation of Liability

The organisers, venues, and festival directors shall not be held liable for personal loss, property damage, or physical injury sustained during travel to or attendance at the festival rounds, except where liability cannot be excluded by Indian law.

17. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

These Terms & Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India. Any legal disputes arising in connection with the festival shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in Pune, Maharashtra.

18. Contact Details

For inquiries regarding competition guidelines, technical submissions, or terms:

• Festival Directors: Anandhu AnilKumar & Dhanya S. Menon
• Phone: +91 93071 29335
• Email: yagadancefest@gmail.com