ISKCON Karnal · Annual competition
Interschool Janmashtami Competition
Every year, around Krishna’s appearance day, schools across Karnal send their children to perform. Dance, bhajan, drama, handmade craft and shloka recitation — five categories, three age groups, one video each. Winners are gifted on stage at the Janmashtami programme.
Dates for the coming edition are announced closer to the festival — call +91 89799 13499 or follow @iskcon_karnal to be notified.
Who can enter
Three age groups
The competition is open to school children across Karnal and the surrounding district. Each participant enters one category, in the age group they belong to on the closing date.
6–10
Years
11–14
Years
15–18
Years
Pick one
Five categories
Each participant chooses a single category. Everything performed or made should centre on Lord Krishna — his pastimes, his names, his words.
-
01
Classical dance
- Only devotional or classical-style performances
- Only devotional songs allowed
- Dress modestly, preferably in Krishna-conscious attire
-
02
Bhajan
- Any Krishna-centric bhajan or kirtan
- Sung in a clear, devotional manner
- Accompaniment on harmonium or kartals is optional
-
03
Drama or solo acting
- Dramatise any Krishna-related story or leela
- Solo mono-acting, or together with siblings and friends
- Clarity in dialogue, expression and spiritual message
-
04
Art, craft or project
- The theme should revolve around Lord Krishna’s pastimes
- Drawings, a handmade jhula, flutes, crowns, posters or models
- Handmade by the participant or elders — not purchased
- Include a short video showing the project being made
-
05
Shloka recitation
- Choose a shloka from the Bhagavad Gita
- Recite clearly, in tune, and by heart — not reading
- Must be a video recording, not audio alone
Submissions
How to enter
Fill the registration form with the participant’s details — name, parents’ names, WhatsApp number, date of birth, age group, school, class, chosen category and address — and submit the video with it.
Video rules
-
—
Only one video per participant. Multiple entries are not allowed.
-
—
The participant must be clearly visible throughout.
-
—
The video must not exceed three minutes.
-
—
Only traditional and devotional songs are permitted.
-
—
Art & craft entries must include a video explaining the work.
Participants are also asked to follow @iskcon_karnal on Instagram and add the centre as a collaborator on their post.
On the night
Prizes and certificates
Gifts on stage
Winners in every category and age group are called up and gifted during the Janmashtami programme.
Certificates for all
Every participant receives a participation certificate, distributed on the evening of the programme.
Overall winner
The school with the highest total number of winners across all categories is declared the overall winner.
Ready to take part?
Registration and video submission happen through the contest form. Closing dates for the coming edition are announced closer to Janmashtami — if you are unsure, call the centre before you record.