Nada Samarpanam 2026
Celebrating Carnatic Classical Tradition
CAMAGA proudly presents Nada Samarpanam 2026, a national Carnatic music competition providing young artists an opportunity to showcase their talent and uphold the rich legacy of Carnatic music.
Special Concert
U. Rajesh - Mandolin
Sowmiya Narayanan - Ghatam
Swaminathan Selva Ganesh - Kanjira
Date
October 31, 2026Saturday
Venue
Hindu Temple of AtlantaRiverdale, Georgia
Entry Fee
$25 per DisciplineOpen to participants across the USA
Registration Deadline
Aug 9, 2026Competition Categories
Vocal
Instrumental
Flute, Veena, Violin, Keyboard and Guitar
Percussion
Mridangam, Kanjira, Ghatam, Nadaswaram, Konnakol
Vocal/Instrumental Age Groups and Requirements
| Age Group | Age Range | Song Length Max | Requirements | Krithis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sub-Junior | Up to Age 10 | 8 minutes | No Manodharmam | 1-2 |
| Junior | Ages 11–17 | 12 minutes | Manodharmam Optional | 3 |
| Senior | Ages 18–26 | 15 minutes | Manodharmam Mandatory - at least 1 aspect - Ragam, Neraval, or Kalpana Swaram | 5 |
Percussion Age Groups and Requirements
| Age Group | Age Range | Max Time | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sub-Junior | Up to Age 10 | 8 minutes | 1 talam and Nadai |
| Junior | Ages 11–17 | 12 minutes | 3 talams and Nadais |
| Senior | Ages 18–26 | 15 minutes | 3 talams and Nadais |
Prizes & Awards
🥇 1st Prize
Electronic Tanpura
Certificate of Merit
🥈 2nd Prize
Certificate of Merit
🥉 3rd Prize
Certificate of Merit
⭐ Electronic Tanpura will be awarded to every 1st Prize winner
across all age groups and disciplines.
Register Today
Don't miss the opportunity to participate in one of the premier Carnatic music competitions in the United States.
Register NowRegistration Deadline: Aug 09, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful information for participants preparing for Nada Samarpanam 2026. The guidance below reflects the latest planning discussion; final participant instructions will take precedence if any details are refined.
What is the tentative event-day schedule?
The current plan is to conduct competition events from approximately 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM, followed by a concert from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Prize distribution is planned after the concert. Participants should refer to their final assigned reporting and performance times once those are issued.
Where will the competition be held?
Nada Samarpanam 2026 is planned for the Hindu Temple of Atlanta Education Building. Multiple classrooms will be used for parallel judging, with volunteers helping participants find the correct rooms.
What are the performance time limits?
The current time limits are 8 minutes for Sub-Junior, 12 minutes for Junior, and 15 minutes for Senior participants. A buzzer will be used for time control, and participants are expected to stop immediately when time is up. Judges may also stop a performance earlier.
Will any of the age categories be subdivided ?
Because of the number of participants in the any of the categories CAMAGA might subdivide these age groups students further based on the number of participants. when this is done this will be communicated with the participants
Is Manodharmam required?
Senior: Manodharmam is mandatory. Junior:Optional for junior categories and if performed will be used in judging.
For the junior vocal and instrumental manodharmam is specified as optional. what does that mean for judging?
For the Junior Vocal and Instrumental categories, participants are required to prepare three kritis. The manodharmam component is optional and is not required for participation.Participants who are prepared to perform manodharmam for only one of the three kritis may indicate the specific kriti for which they are prepared. The judges may, at their discretion, choose to ask the participant to perform that kriti. No additional time will be allotted for manodharmam. If manodharmam is presented or requested, the judges may consider its quality as part of their overall evaluation. However, participants will not be penalized solely for choosing not to present manodharmam, since this component is optional. The judging team will determine whether and how to assess manodharmam within the allotted performance time.
What judging criteria will be used?
The judging framework includes factors such as Shruti, Layam, Gamakam, Raga Bhava, repertoire, manodharmam if presented, overall presentation, and overall impact. Vocal judging may also consider clarity of sahityam and voice quality, projection, and tone. Additional category-specific criteria will be provided for vocal, instrumental, and percussion events.
Do participants need to bring a sruthi box?
The current plan is to keep one sruthi box in each competition room to help save time, while allowing flexibility if needed. Participants should follow the final participant instructions regarding whether they should also bring their own device.
Does CAMAGA provide musical instruments?
Participants should plan to bring the instrument or percussion instrument required for their performance. Instruments and percussion must be tuned before entering the competition room so that tuning does not use judging time.
Can parents or family members watch the competition?
Parents are expected to be allowed in competition rooms as space permits. Because room capacity is limited, attendance may be restricted to roughly 10–12 non-participants per room. To avoid distracting performers, movement in and out should occur only between participants or during designated breaks.
What information will participants need to submit before the event?
Organizers plan to collect repertoire information in advance, including kriti, raga, and tala details, so judges can prepare appropriately. CAMAGA plans to send participants a detailed instruction document with the final submission format and requirements.
For the Niraval / Kalpana Swaram category, is the entire kriti required?
No. Participants only need to sing a few lines leading into the section where they intend to perform the niraval or kalpana swaram before beginning the improvisation.
In the Kriti competition, kalpana swarams are not permitted. Are chitta swarams allowed?
Yes. Chitta swarams that are an integral part of the composition are permitted.
Are there restrictions on the composers whose compositions may be performed?
No. The competition is not restricted to the compositions of Saint Thyagaraja. Compositions by any recognized composer are welcome, subject to the competition rules.
Do participants in the percussion categories need to submit a list of items?
Yes. Junior and Senior participants must submit a list of three (3) talams and nadais on the application form. Sub-Junior participants must submit one (1) talam and nadai. Final instructions will confirm any additional advance-submission details.
Is Konnakol considered a percussion category?
Yes. Konnakol will be treated under the percussion category.
Are pakka vadhyams permitted for vocal and instrumental performances?
No. Pakka vadhyams are not allowed for vocal or instrumental categories of the competition.
Will judges give verbal feedback immediately after each performance?
No detailed spoken feedback is planned immediately after each performance. This is intended to protect participants and help keep the competition on schedule.