Qawwali

Performance Type: Live Qawwali performance (Group only)

1. Eligibility & Team

• Slot Limit:  10 Teams

• Participants: Competition is open to groups and teams

• Team size: Minimum 4 – Maximum 8 members
• A lead vocal and members 
• Valid ID of team leader and members will be required.

2. Registration Details

• Registration Fee: ₹1000 per group (Non-refundable)
• Registration Deadline: 11th February 2026
• Each team must complete registration before the deadline to be considered valid.
• Participants must submit a sample video of their performance or jam.
• Incomplete or late registrations will not be entertained.

3. Primary Selection:

 Sample submission:

• All registered teams are required to submit a sample performance video for screening.
• Submission formate:

• • Duration: 3–5 minutes
  • Recording: Single continuous take; no editing or effects
  • Vocals: Live singing only (no lip-sync or pre-recorded vocals)
  • Visibility: All team members must be clearly visible
  • Audio: Clear sound; minimal background noise
  • Orientation: Landscape preferred.

• YouTube link (Unlisted/Public) OR Google Drive link (Open Access)
• Email to: [email protected] 
• Subject: Qawwali Sample Submission – Team Name 

4. Final Round Performance 

Performance Format

• Performance type: Traditional or contemporary Qawwali
• Performances may include classical or fusion styles, while maintaining the essence of Qawwali.
• Lyrics must uphold the spiritual and cultural dignity of the art form.
• Time Limit
  • Minimum performance time: 8 minutes
  • Maximum performance time: 12 minutes
  • Time includes setup and performance
  • Exceeding the time limit may lead to point deduction or disqualification.
     

• Language : Qawwalis may be performed in:
  • Urdu
  • Hindi
  • Punjabi
  • Mixing languages is allowed if done respectfully

Instruments & Accompaniment

Allowed instruments include:

• Harmonium
• Tabla / Dholak
• Hand claps
• Use of electronic instruments or pre-recorded music is not allowed
• All vocals must be live

6. Originality & Content Guidelines

• Teams can perform traditional Qawwalis or original compositions
• Any lyrical content that is:
  • Offensive
  • Politically motivated
  • Religiously disrespectful 

will lead to disqualification

7. Judging Criteria – Qawwali Finals (100 Points)

• Vocal Quality & Sur 
• Rhythm & Taal Control 
• Authenticity & Style 
• Coordination & Group Harmony
• Stage Presence & Audience Impact

8. Stage & Conduct Rules

• Teams must report on time for sound check prior to the event 
• Excessive stage movement or theatrics are discouraged
• Respect towards judges, audience, and fellow performers is mandatory
• Any misconduct may result in disqualification

9. Technical Rules

• Basic sound system and microphones will be provided
• Teams must bring their own instruments
• No second performance will be allowed for technical or personal errors

10. Results & Prizes

• Winners will be announced after evaluation
• Registration fee is non-refundable
• Winner will be awarded with Prize Money of Rs 10,000/-

11. Organizer Rights

• Organizers reserve the right to:
  • Modify rules or schedule
  • Disqualify teams violating rules
  • Use photos/videos for promotional purposes
• Participation implies acceptance of all rules