Kala Utsav - National Traditional Storytelling Competition
by National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)
Cash prize to Rs 25000
Kala Utsav is NCERT's national traditional storytelling competition for secondary students (Classes 9-12), recognised by the Ministry of Education.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
Free
Participation format
Individual and team
Teams of 1 to 6
Duration
Multi-day national finale in December
Eligibility
Students enrolled in Classes IX to XII in schools affiliated with any board across India. Participation is through school, district, and state selection rounds.
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 12
- Age range
- 13 to 18 years
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- Students enrolled in Classes IX to XII in schools affiliated with any board across India.
- Prerequisites
- Familiarity with at least one traditional Indian storytelling form
- Students should prepare their presentations under the supervision of school authorities
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Award
Cash prizes up to ₹25,000
National-level winners receive cash prizes of ₹25,000 (first), ₹20,000 (second) and ₹15,000 (third) under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
Certificate
NCERT & Ministry of Education Certificate
Participants and winners receive certificates issued by NCERT and the Ministry of Education under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
Recognized by
Recognition
National recognition from Ministry of Education
Skills your child builds
How to apply
- 1Schools register participating students through their respective state education departments.
- 2District and state-level competitions are held first, with winners advancing to the national finale.
Rules and guidelines
- Each team must present a traditional storytelling performance within the specified time limit.
- Performance duration is typically 6-8 minutes, with additional time allotted for stage setup and clearing.
- Use of professional artists or performers is strictly prohibited; only enrolled students may perform.
- Stories must be drawn from indigenous Indian narrative traditions.
- Decisions of the expert judging panel will be final and binding.
About this opportunity
Kala Utsav is a national programme initiated by the Ministry of Education under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan to promote arts education in schools. The Traditional Storytelling category invites secondary students to perform indigenous narrative forms such as kissa, dastangoi, harikatha, villu paatu, burrakatha, pandavani, and regional folk-tales, celebrating India's oral heritage.
Students in Classes IX to XII from government, government-aided, and private schools across India are eligible to participate. The competition is a group event that progresses from district and state rounds to a national finale, offering a platform to present rehearsed traditional stories before expert judges and a national audience.
Rounds and format
The competition progresses through district and state rounds, culminating in a national finale. Each round involves live storytelling performances evaluated by expert judges.
How entries are judged
Evaluation is based on narrative clarity, voice modulation, characterisation, cultural fidelity, stage presence, and adherence to the chosen traditional form.
Selection process
Selection is based on performance in district and state-level competitions, with winners advancing to the national stage. Evaluation includes artistic merit, technical execution, and adherence to guidelines.
Academic details
Difficulty: Mixed Levels
What's covered
The competition focuses on indigenous narrative arts including kissa, dastangoi, harikatha, villu paatu, burrakatha, pandavani, and other regional folk-tale traditions. Performances are evaluated on narrative clarity, voice modulation, characterisation, cultural fidelity, and overall stagecraft.
Frequently asked questions
What traditional storytelling forms are accepted in this category?
Participants may perform indigenous narrative forms such as kissa, dastangoi, harikatha, villu paatu, burrakatha, pandavani, and other regional folk-tale traditions drawn from India's oral heritage.
How is the storytelling performance evaluated by judges?
Judges evaluate narrative clarity, voice modulation, characterisation, cultural fidelity to the chosen tradition, and overall stagecraft. Artistic merit and technical execution both contribute to the final score.
Can students choose stories in regional languages?
Yes, participants are encouraged to perform in regional languages to preserve authenticity of the narrative form. Schools should ensure the chosen language is appropriate for the selected storytelling tradition.
How can school teams prepare effectively for the competition?
Teams should rehearse under the supervision of school authorities, focus on the chosen narrative tradition, refine voice modulation and character portrayal, and rehearse within the specified time limits.
Share with other parents
Categories
WiWit
Never miss the right opportunities for your child
The WiWit app shows you only the ones that fit your child.
- Matched to your child's grade, age, and interests
- Deadline reminders so you never miss registration
- Every opportunity verified before it's listed
Related opportunities
International Foundation Western Music Olympiad (IFWMuO) for Young Musicians
by International Olympiad Foundation (IOF)
The International Foundation Western Music Olympiad (IFWMuO) is an online competition for students in classes 6 to 12 to showcase their talent in Western music, organized by the International Olympiad Foundation. Participants can win medals and certificates.
What your child could gain:
British Council Summer Camp - Confidence Series
by British Council India
A 20-hour British Council English course for ages 6-17 building public speaking, debate, and presentation skills through activity-based classroom sessions in Delhi.
What your child could gain:
Chinmaya Geeta Chanting Competition (CGCC)
by Chinmaya Mission
A Bhagavad Gita chanting competition held each year by Chinmaya Mission, for children from Nursery to Grade 12. Each child chants a set number of verses from one chapter.
What your child could gain:
See what fits your child
Get the free app