Harivallabh Sangeet Pratiyogita: National Hindustani Classical Percussion Competition (Junior)
by Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Mahasabha
Cash prizes and medals at 150-yr institution
National Hindustani classical percussion competition for students aged 10-16, featuring tabla and pakhawaj, held annually in Jalandhar.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
₹500
Participation format
Individual
Duration
4-day event (December 22-25)
Time needed
One 6 to 8 minute performance on stage
Eligibility
Open to students aged 10 to 16 with prior training and proficiency in tabla or pakhawaj. The competition is open nationwide to all eligible participants.
- Age range
- 10 to 16 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Proficiency in tabla or pakhawaj at a level suitable for solo performance.
- Prerequisites
- Prior training in tabla or pakhawaj under a recognised guru
- Proficiency in chosen percussion instrument
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Cash Prizes
Winners receive cash prizes for top positions.
Prizes
Cash prizes, medals, and certificates
Winners receive cash prizes, medals, and certificates from one of India's oldest and most prestigious classical music institutions.
Certificate
Merit & Participation Certificates
Merit certificates are awarded to winners, and participation certificates are given to all contestants.
Recognition
Recognition at Sangeet Natak Akademi institution
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Competition
- 22 Dec 2026 to 25 Dec 2026
Devi Talab, Jalandhar, Punjab
How to apply
- 1Register via the Harivallabh Sangeet Mahasabha website during the registration window (typically October-November).
- 2Entry fee of ₹500 per participant per category.
- 3Submit an online application with the prescribed format, entry fee, proof of age, and a recent passport-size photograph.
Rules and guidelines
- Participants must adhere to the specified age limit of 10 to 16 years.
- Only solo tabla or pakhawaj performances are permitted in this category.
- Each participant must register individually and pay the entry fee of ₹500.
- Performances are judged on technical accuracy, taala precision, laya control, bol clarity, and overall musical expression.
- Participants must bring their own accompanists (lehra/nagma) if required, or inform organisers in advance.
- The decision of the judging panel will be final and binding.
- Late arrivals for performances may lead to disqualification.
- Participants are expected to maintain decorum and respect for fellow artists and judges.
Fees and financial support
Fee details
An entry fee of ₹500 per participant per category is required for the competition.
About this opportunity
The Harivallabh Sangeet Pratiyogita Percussion Competition is the national contest for young Hindustani classical percussionists, covering tabla vadan and pakhawaj vadan. Organised by the Shree Baba Harivallabh Sangeet Mahasabha, one of India's oldest classical music institutions, this annual event takes place in December in Jalandhar, Punjab as part of the larger Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan.
The junior category is open to participants aged 10 to 16 who are proficient in either tabla or pakhawaj. Winners receive cash prizes, medals, and certificates, gaining significant national recognition within classical music circles and a platform to showcase their taala precision, technique, and improvisational skill before expert judges drawn from India's leading percussion gharanas.
Rounds and format
Single round competition.
How entries are judged
Technical accuracy, taala precision, laya control, bol clarity, and overall musical expression.
Selection process
Based on evaluation of technical accuracy, taala precision, laya control, bol clarity, and overall musical expression by the judging panel.
Academic details
Difficulty: Advanced
What's covered
The competition focuses on solo performance in tabla or pakhawaj, evaluated on technical accuracy, taala precision, laya control, bol clarity, and overall musical expression.
Frequently asked questions
Which percussion instruments are included in this category?
The Percussion category covers solo performances on tabla vadan and pakhawaj vadan. Participants select one instrument and perform a solo recital before the judging panel.
What age group is eligible for the junior percussion competition?
The junior percussion competition is open to students aged 10 to 16 years. Participants must meet this age criterion as of December 1, 2026 to be eligible.
What is the registration fee for the percussion category?
A registration fee of ₹500 per participant per category is required. Payment details and the registration process are outlined on the official Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan website.
Where and when is the percussion competition held?
The Harivallabh Sangeet Pratiyogita Percussion Competition is held at Devi Talab, Jalandhar, Punjab, as part of the Harivallabh Sangeet Sammelan. It is scheduled from December 22 to 25, 2026.
What are the key judging criteria for percussion performances?
Performances are evaluated on technical accuracy, taala precision, laya control, bol clarity, and overall musical expression. Judges look for both technical command and artistic interpretation.
Are accompanists allowed during the percussion recital?
Participants must bring their own lehra or nagma accompanists if required for their performance, or inform the organisers in advance so arrangements can be discussed.
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