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Mantrah cultural competition registration.
- Please encourage your kids to participate and REGISTER ASAP.
- Convention will be at Marriott Winston Salem/Benton Convention Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina from July 3rd – 6th, 2025. Nearest airport is Greensboro, NC (GSO)
- Get ready! Whether you’re into music, dance, or art — there’s a stage waiting just for you.
- 🌟 So what are you waiting for? Sign up now and show the world what you've got!
- 👉 *Sign-Up Form*
- From culture to creativity — this is your moment to shine.
- Your Talent. Your Stage. Your Moment. So hurry up — we can’t wait to see you perform!!!
Any queries regarding convention ?
TERMS & CONDITIONS
- Participant must be registered to attend the Mantrah 2025 convention before the registration deadline
- Entries are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Will only accept the number of registrations that fit into the schedule.
- Entries to participate in the competition will be only through the online forms.
- Any changes to originally submitted entries must be submitted through the event registration system again.
- Participants age as on June 1, 2025, would be considered for the Age category
- In both solo and group competition contestants are allowed to move to a level above their age group if their category doesn’t have enough participants except Thiruvathirakali and pageant.
- Competition of any solo category will be cancelled if there are not more than 3 registrations.
- Unless participants cancel their registration at least 2 weeks earlier to the event, competition will go on without disqualification to the points / title. Minimum 3 contestant rule will not be applicable in this situation.
- An individual can participate only in 6 items, 4 solos and 2 groups. Pageant and Photography competition is not considered in the criteria above.
- Kalathilakam or Kalaprathibha will be selected on the basis of total points earned in solo item and he/ she should win prizes in any two of the following categories (Literary, Theatre, Art, Music or Dance).
- Photography and Pageant items are not considered towards Kalathilakam and Kalaprathibha.
- Event registration must be paid in full, and music must be uploaded before the set deadline date. Also please send the music in the appropriate format to culturalhouston23@gmail.com. Organizers will not be responsible for audio failure or low audio quality.
- Please carry a copy of the audio in a USB stick as backup.
- Any participants who does not follow the rules will be disqualified.
- All performances will be scored by a judging panel
- Due to the privacy issues videography of competition event is limited to participant’s family.
ABSOLUTELY NO CHANGES A WEEK BEFORE THE COMPETITION, NO EXCEPTIONS.
Judge’s decision is FINAL and IRREVOCABLE
Rules & Regulations - Group Semi classical/ Contemporary Dance(21 and above) (Group Events)
- Age category: as of 1 st of June 2025
- 5 to 8 years
- 9 to 14 years
- 15 to 20 years
- 21 and above
- Number of participants - minimum 3 and maximum 8 people.
- Duration of the dance should not be more than 5 minutes
- Audio files should be submitted before the deadline.
- Organizers will not be held responsible for audio failure or low audible quality.
- Any team which doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
- All participants must be registered with the Mantrah before the program.
- Judgement will be based on Judgement will be based on Nritta,Abhinaya,coordination,complexity and Ahaarya.
- The judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
- semiclassical from cinema/ albums/devotional music can be selected.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Rules & Regulations - Group Semi classical/ Contemporary Dance(15 to 20) (Group Events)
- Age category: as of 1 st of June 2025
- 5 to 8 years
- 9 to 14 years
- 15 to 20 years
- 21 and above
- Number of participants - minimum 3 and maximum 8 people.
- Duration of the dance should not be more than 5 minutes
- Audio files should be submitted before the deadline.
- Organizers will not be held responsible for audio failure or low audible quality.
- Any team which doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
- All participants must be registered with the Mantrah before the program.
- Judgement will be based on Judgement will be based on Nritta,Abhinaya,coordination,complexity and Ahaarya.
- The judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
- semiclassical from cinema/ albums/devotional music can be selected.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Rules & Regulations - Group Classical dance (21 & above) (Group Events)
- Age category: As of June 1st, 2025,
- 5 to 8 years
- 9 to 14 years
- 15 to 20 years
- 21 and above
- Number of participants - minimum 3 and maximum 8 people.
- Duration of the dance should not be more than 6 mins
- Only Classical Music Allowed.
- Judgement will be based on Nritta,Abhinaya,coordination,complexity and Ahaarya.
- Audio files should be submitted before the deadline
- Organizers will not be held responsible for audio failure or low audible quality
- Judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
- Any participant who doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Rules & Regulations - Group Classical dance (9 to 14) (Group Events)
- Age category: As of June 1st, 2025,
- 5 to 8 years
- 9 to 14 years
- 15 to 20 years
- 21 and above
- Number of participants - minimum 3 and maximum 8 people.
- Duration of the dance should not be more than 6 mins
- Only Classical Music Allowed.
- Judgement will be based on Nritta,Abhinaya,coordination,complexity and Ahaarya.
- Audio files should be submitted before the deadline
- Organizers will not be held responsible for audio failure or low audible quality
- Judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
- Any participant who doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Rules & Regulations - Naadan paattu/ Group song (24 & above) (Group Events)
- Participants age should be 24 years and above as of June1 st 2025
- Maximum number of singers in a group can be 8.
- The Group song should be Malayalam songs.
- The maximum time allowed for the group song is 7 minutes.
- The judging of this item will be on the basis of Sruthi, Tal, Rhythm , Harmony and overall presentation.
- Any team which does not follow the rules will be disqualified.
- All participants must be registered to attend the Mantrah 2023 convention before the event.
- Judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Rules & Regulations - Group Semi classical/ Contemporary Dance(9 to 14) (Group Events)
- Age category: as of 1 st of June 2025
- 5 to 8 years
- 9 to 14 years
- 15 to 20 years
- 21 and above
- Number of participants - minimum 3 and maximum 8 people.
- Duration of the dance should not be more than 5 minutes
- Audio files should be submitted before the deadline.
- Organizers will not be held responsible for audio failure or low audible quality.
- Any team which doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
- All participants must be registered with the Mantrah before the program.
- Judgement will be based on Judgement will be based on Nritta,Abhinaya,coordination,complexity and Ahaarya.
- The judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
- semiclassical from cinema/ albums/devotional music can be selected.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Rules & Regulations - Bollywood dance(15 & above) (Group Events)
- Age category: As of June 1 st 2025
- 5 to 8 years
- 9 to 14 years
- 15 to 20 years
- 21 and above
- Number of participants - minimum 3 and maximum 8 people per group
- Duration of the dance should not be more than 5 minutes.
- Song can be selected from any Indian regional cinemas.
- Audio files should be submitted before the deadline.
- Organizers will not be held responsible for audio failure or low audio quality
- Any team which does not follow the rules will be disqualified.
- All participants must be registered to attend the Mantrah 2023 convention before the event.
- Judgement will be based on the basis of complexity of dance, coordination, costume ,choreography and overall effect.
- The judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Rules & Regulations - Bollywood dance (9 yrs to 14 yrs old) (Group Events)
- Age category: As of June 1 st 2025
- 5 to 8 years
- 9 to 14 years
- 15 to 20 years
- 21 and above
- Number of participants - minimum 3 and maximum 8 people per group
- Duration of the dance should not be more than 5 minutes.
- Song can be selected from any Indian regional cinemas.
- Audio files should be submitted before the deadline.
- Organizers will not be held responsible for audio failure or low audio quality
- Any team which does not follow the rules will be disqualified.
- All participants must be registered to attend the Mantrah 2023 convention before the event.
- Judgement will be based on the basis of complexity of dance, coordination, costume ,choreography and overall effect.
- The judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Rules & Regulations - Group Semi classical/ Contemporary Dance(5 to 8) (Group Events)
- Age category: as of 1 st of June 2025
- 5 to 8 years
- 9 to 14 years
- 15 to 20 years
- 21 and above
- Number of participants - minimum 3 and maximum 8 people.
- Duration of the dance should not be more than 5 minutes
- Audio files should be submitted before the deadline.
- Organizers will not be held responsible for audio failure or low audible quality.
- Any team which doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
- All participants must be registered with the Mantrah before the program.
- Judgement will be based on Judgement will be based on Nritta,Abhinaya,coordination,complexity and Ahaarya.
- The judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
- semiclassical from cinema/ albums/devotional music can be selected.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Rules & Regulations - Bollywood dance(5 to 8) (Group Events)
- Age category: As of June 1 st 2025
- 5 to 8 years
- 9 to 14 years
- 15 to 20 years
- 21 and above
- Number of participants - minimum 3 and maximum 8 people per group
- Duration of the dance should not be more than 5 minutes.
- Song can be selected from any Indian regional cinemas.
- Audio files should be submitted before the deadline.
- Organizers will not be held responsible for audio failure or low audio quality
- Any team which does not follow the rules will be disqualified.
- All participants must be registered to attend the Mantrah 2023 convention before the event.
- Judgement will be based on the basis of complexity of dance, coordination, costume ,choreography and overall effect.
- The judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Rules & Regulations - Group Classical dance (15 to 20) (Group Events)
- Age category: As of June 1st, 2025,
- 5 to 8 years
- 9 to 14 years
- 15 to 20 years
- 21 and above
- Number of participants - minimum 3 and maximum 8 people.
- Duration of the dance should not be more than 6 mins
- Only Classical Music Allowed.
- Judgement will be based on Nritta,Abhinaya,coordination,complexity and Ahaarya.
- Audio files should be submitted before the deadline
- Organizers will not be held responsible for audio failure or low audible quality
- Judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
- Any participant who doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Rules & Regulations - Chenda melam (Group Events)
- No age restriction.
- Duration of performance - should not be more than 15 minutes.
- Participants should carry their own props.
- Any team which doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
- All participants must be registered Mantrah family before the event.
- Judgement will be based on the basis of Rhythm,Thalam,Difficulty of the piece,synchronisation,presentation
- Judges decision will be final and irrevocable.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Rules & Regulations - Group Classical dance (5 to 8) (Group Events)
- Age category: As of June 1st, 2025,
- 5 to 8 years
- 9 to 14 years
- 15 to 20 years
- 21 and above
- Number of participants - minimum 3 and maximum 8 people.
- Duration of the dance should not be more than 6 mins
- Only Classical Music Allowed.
- Judgement will be based on Nritta,Abhinaya,coordination,complexity and Ahaarya.
- Audio files should be submitted before the deadline
- Organizers will not be held responsible for audio failure or low audible quality
- Judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
- Any participant who doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Rules & Regulations - Thiruvathira (24 yrs and above) (Group Events)
- Minimum 8 and Maximum 12 number of participants.
- Age as of 1st of June 2025, 24 years and above
- Max time 8 min
- No movie songs
- Judges decision will be final
- Sign up through forms only
- Audio file need to be submitted before deadline
- Organizers are not responsible for poor audio quality
- Judgement will be based on Complexity, Choreography, formation, and overall presentation.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Rules & Regulations
Pageant
Pageant Rounds details:
- Western Round
- Kerala round
- Question & Answer session
- This pageant is based on the contestants proficiency in Hinduism and knowledge of your roots - Kerala.
- We will have 3 rounds. Western wear walk, kerala wear walk and Q&A sessions.
- Appropriate clothing is expected at all times during the pageant. Outfits above mid thigh will not be allowed.
- All contestants should be present at the designated area at least 10 minutes before call time.
- Contestants are responsible for bringing their own costumes, accessories and shoes and it’s safety.
- Each contestant can have only one helper with them backstage.
- Contestants are responsible for their own hair and makeup.
- Judgement is based on the different rounds in the pageant. Costume Creativity, Confidence, knowledge about your heritage/ roots and overall presentation is calculated towards judgement.
- Judges decision is final and irrevocable.
- Practice sessions will be through zoom and mandatory. Dates will be published in advance.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mural painting adults
- Age category: As of 1 June 2025,
- 21 and above.
- Duration of the Mural painting - 2 hours and 30 minutes.
- The topic will be given on the spot.
- Participants should bring all other required supplies except Paper / canvas.
- Any participant who does not follow the rules will be disqualified.
- Judgement will be based on interpretation, creativity, artistic skills, quality of work and technique.
- The judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Narayaneeyam chanting
- Age category: As of June 01, 2025.
- a) Junior: 9 - 14 Years.
- b) Senior: 15 - 20 Years.
- c) Adult: 21 and above.
- Chapter 38
- 9 to 14 years old category: first 6 verses.
- 15 years and above categories: All verses in chapter 38.
- Introduction about the subject encouraged
- The duration of the Narayaneeyam chanting item should not be more than 6 minutes.
- Any person who doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
- Judgement will be based on pronunciation, modulation, expression, and articulation.
- The judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Photography Competition
- Photography contest has no age restriction.
- Use only your cellphone to take pictures.
- You will be asked to upload 1 picture to the prescribed folder.
- Competition will happen on one of the convention days.
- Photos must be taken on the prescribed day/time and uploaded with in the allotted time.
- The photo must be in its original state , without any filters and cannot be altered in any way, including but not limited to removing, adding, reversing, or distorting subjects within the frame.
- Violators will be removed from the contest.
- Judges will pick only one winner.
- Entries will not be accepted unless submitted via forms.
- Photo entries will be judged based on creativity, quality, originality, responsiveness to the prompt and overall effect.
- Judges decisions are final.
- By entering the contest, entrants agree that photos submitted can be used by Mantrah.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mono Act
- Age category: As of June 01, 2025.
- Junior: 9 to 14 years
- Senior: 15 to 20 years
- Adult: 21 and above.
- The duration of the performance should not be more than 5 mins.
- No accompanists allowed.
- Language of the act can be Malayalam/English only.
- There are no restrictions on the theme.
- Mime is not allowed.
- No costumes or props allowed.
- Use of obscene words will lead to disqualification.
- Any participant who doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
- Judgement will be based on the content, script, dialogues presentation, acting, and confidence.
- The judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Ottam Thullal
- Duration of the performance is max 15 mins.
- The language of the act must be predominantly Malayalam.
- Obscenity and offensive gestures are strictly not allowed
- Any participant who doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
- Judgement will be based on Rhythm, Akshara spudatha, Expression, Content, and presentation
- Judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Essay Writing - English
- Age category: As of June 1st, 2025,
- Junior: 9 to 14 years
- Senior: 15 to 20 years
- Adult: 21 and above.
- Maximum time allowed is 60 minutes
- Topic will be given on the spot.
- Maximum 1000 words
- Judgment will be based on the development of the theme, composition, style, usage of language and originality.
- Supplies will be provided.
- The judge’s decision is final and irrevocable.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Malayalam Poetry Recitation
- Age category: as of 1 st of June 2025
- a) Junior: 9 - 14 Years.
- b) Senior: 15 - 20 Years.
- c) Adult: 21 and above.
- Duration of the Poetry item should not be more than 6 minutes.
- Any person who doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
- Judgement will be based on the basis on Pronunciation, content, modulation, expression and articulation.
- Judges decision will be final and irrevocable.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Gita Chanting
- Age category: As of June 01, 2025.
- a) Junior: 9 - 14 Years.
- b) Senior: 15 - 20 Years.
- c) Adult: 21 and above.
- Chapter 2
- 9 to 14 year old category : 2.11 to 2.20
- 15 and Above categories: 2.11 to 2.30
- Introduction about the subject encouraged.
- Duration of the Gita chanting item should not be more than 6 minutes.
- Any person who doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
- Judgement will be based on pronunciation, modulation, expression, and articulation.
- The judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Carnatic Music
- Age category: as of 1st of June 2025
- Junior: 9 to 14 years
- Senior: 15 to 20 years
- Adult : 21 and above.
- The duration of the song should not be more than 7 minutes.
- Participants can use Sruthi box during the competition. (Bring your own)
- Judgement will be based on pronunciation, intonation, rhythm, pitch and for singing in tune.
- The judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
- Any participant who doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
- Bring your own Sruthi box.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Light Music
- Age category: as of 1st of June 2025
- Junior: 9 to 14 years
- Senior : 15 to 20 years
- Adult : 21 and above.
- The duration of the song should not be more than 5 minutes.
- Participants can use Sruthi box during the competition. (Bring your own)
- Judgement will be based on the basis of pronunciation, intonation, rhythm, pitch and for singing in tune.
- Any participant who doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
- The judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
- Registration cutoff date is April 21sst.
- Bring your own Sruthi box.
- Malayalam songs only.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Kuchipudi
- Age category: as of 1 st of June 2025
- 1) Junior :9 to 14 years
- 2) Seniors :15 to 20 years
- 3) Adult :21 and above
- Dance should not be more than 6 minutes.
- Judgement will be based on Nritta,Abhinaya,Angasudhi,Layasudhi,Ahaarya ( costume) .
- Music should be authentic, classical Kuchupudi songs. No movie songs
- Audio files should be submitted before the deadline
- Organizers will not be held responsible for audio failure or low audible quality
- Judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
- Any participant who doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Folk Dance
- Age category: As of June 01, 2025.
- Junior: 9 to 14 years
- Senior: 15 to 20 years
- Adult: 21 and above.
- The duration of the dance should not be more than 5 minutes.
- Judgement will be based on Nritta, Nrithya, Aharya, Complexity of rhythm, Props, and overall presentation.
- Audio files should be submitted before the deadline.
- Malayalam songs only.
- Organizers will not be held responsible for audio failure or low audible quality.
- The judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
- Any participant who doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
- Registration cut off date is April 21st .
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mohiniyattam
- Age category: as of 1 st of June 2025
- i) Junior: 9 to 14 years
- ii) Senior: 15 to 20 years
- iii) Adult: 21 and up
- Each participant will be allowed up-to a max of 6 min.
- Only Classical/ Sopanam Music Allowed.
- Judgement will be based on Nritta,Abhinaya,Angasudhi,Layasudhi,Ahaarya ( costume) .
- Audio files should be submitted before the deadline
- Organizers will not be held responsible for audio failure or low audible quality
- Judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
- Any participant who doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Bharathanatyam
- Age category : as of 1 st of June 2025
- i) Junior: 9 to 14 years
- ii) Senior: 15 to 20 years
- iii) Adult: 21 and above
- Duration of the dance should not be more than 6 mins
- No movie songs
- Judgement will be based on Nritta,Abhinaya,Angasudhi,Layasudhi,Ahaarya ( costume) .
- Audio files should be submitted before the deadline
- Organizers will not be held responsible for audio failure or low audible quality
- Judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
- Any participant who doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Fancy dress solo
- Age category: As of June 01, 2025.
- Sub Junior: 5 to 8 years
- Junior: 9 to 14 years
- Senior: 15 to 20 years
- Adult : 21 and above.
- Each participant will be allowed a time limit of 1-2 minutes including narration.
- Judgement will be based on character portrayed, presentation skills and creativity.
- Audio files should be submitted before the deadline.
- Organizers will not be held responsible for audio failure or low audible quality.
- Keep costume and character appropriate.
- Any participant who doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
- The judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Painting- Kids (Watercolor)
- Age category: as of 1 st of June 2025.
- Sub Junior: 5 to 8 years
- Junior: 9 to 14 years
- Senior: 15 to 20 years
- Allotted time -90minutes
- Topic will be given on the spot.
- Paper will be provided but participants should bring all other required materials.
- Any participant who does not follow the rules will be disqualified.
- Judgement will be based on clarity, creativity, originality, eristic skills, and techniques.
- The judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Carnatic Violin
- Age category: as of 1 st of June 2025
- Junior: 9 to 14 years
- Senior : 15 to 20 years
- Adult : 21 and above.
- The duration of the song should not be more than 7 minutes.
- Participants can use Sruthi box during the competition. (Bring your own)
- Any participant who doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
- Judgement will be based on intonation, rhythm, pitch and for playing in tune.
- The judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Free Dance solo
- Age category: as of 1 st of June 2025
- 5 to 8 years
- Children can choose from the following categories. classical/ semi classical/ folk / Bollywood etc.
- Duration of the dance should not be more than 5 mins
- Appropriate song selection expected.
- Judgement will be based on Nritta,Abhinaya,Layasudhi,Ahaarya ( costume) and overall presentation.
- Audio files should be submitted before the deadline
- Organizers will not be held responsible for audio failure or low audible quality
- Judge’s decision will be final and irrevocable.
- Any participant who doesn’t follow the rules will be disqualified.
Person in Charge
Mantrah
704-388-7078
Mantrah
704-388-7078