Jhankriti Instrumental Music Competition
Win Substantial Cash Prizes
AN international-level virtual competition by the Art of Living for young instrumentalists (ages 8-18) to showcase their talent in Indian performing arts.
Mode
Online
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual
Duration
Recording a 3-5 minute performance video, and participation in online rounds if selected.
Time needed
Depends on the time taken to make the entry
Eligibility
Age: 8-18 years (in two groups: 8-12 and 13-18). Location: Open to young artists globally. Requirements: Participants must be proficient in a wind, percussion, or string instrument.
- 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 instrumental music.
- Prerequisites
- Proficiency in at least one classical Indian instrument (wind, percussion, or string).
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Substantial Cash Prizes
Substantial cash prizes are awarded to the winners to help them further their artistic pursuits.
Prizes
Gifts, Goodie Bags & Conference Passes
Winners receive special gifts, goodie bags including curated wellness kits, and complimentary passes to Bhaav, India's Biggest Cultural Conference.
Certificate
Certificate of Achievement
All participants receive a certificate of participation. Finalists and winners receive certificates of achievement from the World Forum for Art and Culture.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Winning a national-level competition adds significant value to a student's profile for admissions into music and arts colleges.
Career pathways
Winners may get opportunities to intern with maestros, perform at Art of Living events, and be part of music recordings.
Recognition
International 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
Semifinal submission deadline
Last date for Semifinalists to submit videos.
Grand Finale
Live online grand finale for top performers is on the 15th and 16th of October 2026.
Online · Official Website and YouTube
How to apply
- 1Register on the official Jhankriti website by filling out the application form.
- 2Record a 3-5 minute performance video.
- 3Submit the performance video as an unlisted YouTube link through the registration form before the deadline.
Rules and guidelines
- Only one entry per participant is allowed in the instrumental category.
- The performance video must be a single-take shot, without any cuts, edits, or special effects.
- The chosen musical piece should be true to the art form and clearly audible.
- Participants will be disqualified for any obscene or vulgar performances.
- Performance wear should be befitting the art form.
Technology requirements
- A high-quality camera for video recording.
- A stable internet connection for uploading and submission.
- A good quality microphone to ensure clear audio.
- A YouTube account to upload the performance video as an unlisted link.
About this opportunity
Jhankriti is a cultural festival by the World Forum for Art and Culture, a wing of The Art of Living. It offers a prominent virtual stage for young musicians across India and the globe to display their talent in instrumental music and connect with experts.
The competition is open to artists globally in age groups 8-12 and 13-18, covering wind, percussion, and string instruments. Key benefits include cash prizes, mentorship from maestros, and performance opportunities at prestigious events.
Rounds and format
The competition consists of multiple virtual rounds, including an initial audition via video submission, followed by semi-finals. The Grand Finale is conducted online as a live performance in the presence of the judges.
How entries are judged
Participants are judged on technical skill, melody (sur), rhythm (taal), expression (bhaav), clarity of the recording, and overall presentation, including performance wear.
Selection process
Contestants are shortlisted for subsequent rounds based on their performance evaluation by the screening jury. For some rounds, YouTube voting may also be a factor.
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
The competition focuses on Indian classical and semi-classical instrumental music.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common mistake participants make in their video submissions?
A frequent issue is poor audio-visual quality. Participants should ensure the recording is done in a quiet, well-lit space with a stable camera. The clarity of the music is a key judging criterion, so clear sound is essential for the judges to evaluate the performance accurately.
How can a participant stand out among many talented musicians?
Beyond technical perfection, judges look for genuine expression (bhaav) and a strong connection to the chosen piece. A unique yet authentic interpretation of a composition can be more memorable than a purely technical rendition. Overall presentation, including appropriate attire, also contributes significantly.
How should participants handle the pressure of a multi-round competition?
Participants are advised to focus on one round at a time. After submitting the initial video, the waiting period can be used to practice new pieces for potential subsequent rounds. Treating each stage as a separate performance opportunity, rather than focusing only on the final outcome, can help manage anxiety and maintain focus.
Are there specific types of compositions that the judges prefer?
The judges value authenticity and skill appropriate to the participant's age and training. It is better to perform a piece that is well-mastered and showcases the artist's strengths, rather than choosing an overly complex composition that is not executed flawlessly. Original compositions are also welcome if they adhere to classical forms.
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