Jhankriti Folk Dance Competition
Cash Prizes up to ₹25,000
An international online folk dance competition by The Art of Living, celebrating India's cultural diversity through traditional performances from young artists.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 4 to 10
Duration
The performance duration must be between 3 to 5 minutes.
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
Age Groups: 8-12 years, and 13-18 years. Location: Open to all residents of India. Format: Both solo and group performances are accepted.
- Grade level
- Grade 3 to 12
- Age range
- 8 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- No specific academic requirements. Open to all students with a passion for classical dance.
- Prerequisites
- Participants should have training or proficiency in any Indian folk dance form.
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
₹25,000 Cash Prize
Winners receive substantial cash prizes, with top performers receiving up to ₹25,000.
Certificate
E-Certificate of Participation
All participants with valid entries receive an e-certificate of participation from the World Forum for Art and Culture.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Recognition in a national competition can strengthen applications for higher education in dance and cultural studies.
Career pathways
Provides a direct pathway to a professional career in performing arts through unparalleled exposure, mentorship from industry maestros, and potential opportunities for professional recordings and internships. Winners may also get a chance to perform at Art of Living events.
Recognition
National Recognition
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Registration opened
- 13 May 2026
- Registration closed
- 31 Jul 2026
- Competition
- 15 Aug 2026 to 16 Oct 2026
Semi final Submission Deadline
Last date for Semifinalists to submit videos.
Grand Finale
The live online grand finale for top performers is on the 15th and 16th of October 2026.
Online · Official Website Portal & YouTube
How to apply
- 1Register on the official Jhankriti website before the deadline.
- 2Upload a single-take, unedited video of the performance via a YouTube link.
- 3Separate registrations are required for each category if participating in multiple events.
Rules and guidelines
- Only one entry is permitted per participant or group in the folk dance category.
- The submitted video must be a single take without any cuts, edits, or special effects.
- Performance duration must be approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Participants should wear appropriate costumes and makeup suitable for the folk dance form.
- Performances deemed obscene or vulgar will lead to disqualification.
Technology requirements
- A device for video recording (smartphone, camera, etc.)
- Stable internet connection for uploading the video to YouTube.
- Access to the competition's online portal for registration and submission.
About this opportunity
Jhankriti, organized by The Art of Living's cultural wing, is a premier virtual performing arts competition. The Folk Dance category offers a significant platform for young dancers to showcase the rich tapestry of Indian folk traditions, aiming to preserve and promote the country's cultural heritage.
Participation is open to young artists across India in two age groups: 8-12 years and 13-18years. The online format allows talent from every corner of the nation to compete as solo performers or in groups, ensuring broad and inclusive participation.
Rounds and format
The competition consists of a preliminary round based on video submissions. Shortlisted participants advance to the semifinal rounds, which may include further online performances or challenges. Then the last round is the final.
How entries are judged
Performances are judged based on rhythm, formation, expression, costumes, make-up, sets, and the overall effect of the presentation.
Selection process
Participants are shortlisted for the final rounds based on the evaluation of their submitted performance videos by a panel of esteemed judges.
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
No specific curriculum.
Frequently asked questions
What are common mistakes in video submissions that lead to disqualification?
Common errors include poor audio/video quality, exceeding the 3-5 minute time limit, and including edits or special effects. Ensure the video is a single, uninterrupted take with clear sound and picture.
How can a performance stand out to the judges?
Judges value authenticity, energy, and expression true to the chosen folk form. Strong choreography, coordinated group formations, and appropriate traditional costumes significantly enhance the overall impact.
What is the long-term value of participating in this competition?
Participation offers national exposure and an e-certificate from a recognized cultural body. It helps build a performer's portfolio, develops discipline, and provides a platform for artistic growth.
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