Launched in 2009

Bharatheeyam

During the Jubilee year of 2009, Rotary Cochin Harbour then President Rtn. Mohan Kumar and Secretary, Rtn. Dileep Narayanan, started an event called 'Desa Bhakthi Gaanam', a patriotic song competition, among sister clubs of Rotary in the Cochin Region. The idea was to foster patriotism and imbibe the habit of THE NATION FIRST among the new generation. Maj. Ravi, as chief guest, inaugurated the event on 15th August, 2009 at IMA House, Kaloor. There were six Rotary clubs that participated in the event. Subsequently, successors took it to greater scale and named the program 'Bharatheeyam'.

Applicable to All Competitions

Rules & Regulations

GENERAL RULES
  • The competitions are open only to Rotarians, Anns and Annettes of Rotary Clubs, except where specifically stated otherwise.
  • Should there be more registrations, the Organizing Committee may arrange an audition before 14th August 2026.
  • Only the shortlisted candidates/teams from the audition will be eligible to participate in the final competition on 14th August 2026.
  • A participant shall not represent more than one Rotary Club in the same competition category.
  • Participants shall not display, announce or otherwise represent their Rotary Club name through costumes, banners, placards, announcements or by any direct or indirect means.
  • All performances shall uphold the dignity of the National Flag, National Symbols, Constitution of India and the spirit of patriotism. Any disrespect or objectionable portrayal shall result in disqualification.
  • Costumes shall be decent, culturally appropriate and relevant to the chosen theme.
  • Performances shall not contain vulgarity, obscenity, offensive language, religious intolerance, political campaigning or any objectionable content.
  • The use of fire, fireworks, smoke effects, hazardous materials, live animals, sharp weapons or any unsafe items is strictly prohibited
  • Teams using props shall complete the setup and removal of all props within two (2) minutes.
  • Audio tracks shall be submitted in the prescribed format before the stipulated deadline. The Organizing Committee shall not be responsible for corrupted or incompatible audio files submitted by participants.
  • The organizers shall provide only the standard sound system and stage lighting unless otherwise specified.
  • Participants shall report at least 30 minutes before the scheduled commencement of their respective competition. Failure to report on time may result in disqualification.
  • If the number of entries exceeds the competition schedule or venue capacity, the Organizing Committee reserves the right to conduct a preliminary audition to shortlist the finalists. The decision of the audition panel shall be final and binding.
  • The order of performance shall be decided by drawing lots, unless otherwise decided by the Organizing Committee
  • Participants shall maintain discipline and decorum throughout the event.
  • Participants shall not approach or attempt to influence the judges before, during or after the competition.
  • The Organizing Committee reserves the right to photograph, video record and publish performances for Rotary publications, websites and social media without further permission or compensation.
  • Any damage caused to the venue or its property shall be the responsibility of the participating team or Rotary Club.
  • The Organizing Committee reserves the right to amend these rules or modify the competition schedule whenever necessary for the smooth conduct of the event.
  • Any matter not covered under these rules shall be decided by the Organizing Committee.
  • The decision of the panel of judges shall be final and binding, and no correspondence regarding the results shall be entertained.

rules & regulations

PATRIOTIC / FOLK SONG (GROUP) – ROTARY CLUBS

Competition Rules
  • Each team shall consist of a minimum of three (3) performers and a maximum of fifteen (15) performers.
  • Each team shall perform patriotic AND/OR folk songs celebrating the spirit, culture, heritage and unity of India or its States.
  • The maximum performance time shall be 10 minutes.
  • A penalty of 5 marks shall be deducted for every minute or part thereof exceeding the prescribed time
  • Participants may perform with: ◦ Live musical accompaniment; or ◦ Instrumental karaoke tracks only.
  • Karaoke tracks shall not contain lead or backing vocals.
  • Instrumentalists accompanying the team need not be Rotarians and shall not be counted as members of the competing team.
Judging Criteria
  • Rhythm
  • Melody
  • Articulation & Pronunciation
  • Lyrics
  • Stage Performance
  • Costume & Overall Presentation
Registration
  • Registration Fee: ₹5,000 per entry
  • Last Date for Registration: 31st July, 2026

Rules & Regulations

PATRIOTIC / FOLK SONG (SOLO / DUET)

Competition Rules
  • The competition is open to Rotarians, Anns, and Annettes.
  • Entries may be submitted in: ◦ Solo Category ◦ Duet Category
  • A Solo entry shall consist of one performer.
  • A Duet entry shall consist of two performers.
  • Each entry shall perform patriotic AND/OR folk songs.
  • The maximum performance time shall be 6 minutes.
  • RA penalty of 5 marks shall be deducted for every minute or part thereof exceeding the prescribed time.
  • Participants may perform with live musical accompaniment or instrumental karaoke tracks only.
  • Karaoke tracks shall not contain vocals.
  • Instrumentalists need not be Rotarians and shall not be counted as contestants.
Judging Criteria
  • Rhythm
  • Melody
  • Articulation & Pronunciation
  • Lyrics
  • Stage Performance
  • Costume & Overall Presentation
Registration
  • Registration Fee: ₹1,500 per entry
  • Last Date for Registration: 31st July, 2026

Rules & Regulations

PATRIOTIC / FOLK SONG (FAMILY)

Competition Rules
  • The competition is open to Rotarian Family.
  • Each entry shall perform patriotic AND/OR folk songs.
  • The maximum performance time shall be 6 minutes.
  • A penalty of 5 marks shall be deducted for every minute or part thereof exceeding the prescribed time.
  • Participants may perform with live musical accompaniment or instrumental karaoke tracks only.
  • Karaoke tracks shall not contain vocals.
  • Instrumentalists need not be Rotarians and shall not be counted as contestants.
Judging Criteria
  • Rhythm
  • Melody
  • Articulation & Pronunciation
  • Lyrics
  • Stage Performance
  • Costume & Overall Presentation
Registration
  • Registration Fee: ₹2,500 per entry
  • Last Date for Registration: 31st July, 2026

Rules & Regulations

TABLEAU (GROUP) – ROTARY CLUBS

Suggested Themes
  • Indian Freedom Struggle
  • National Integration
  • Patriotism
  • Atmanirbhar Bharat
  • Unity in Diversity
  • National Leaders
  • Indian Armed Forces
  • Indian Folk Art, Culture and Festivals
  • Constitutional Values
  • Cultural Heritage of Indian States
Competition Rules
  • Each team shall consist of 3 to 10 participants.
  • Each team shall present a Patriotic or Folk Tableau based on one of the approved themes.
  • Presentations may include narration, dialogue, dance, mime or dramatic enactment.
  • The maximum presentation time shall be 10 minutes (including all arrangements).
  • A penalty of 5 marks shall be deducted for every minute or part thereof exceeding the prescribed time.
  • Hand-held props and stage properties are permitted.
  • Props shall be safe and capable of being set up and removed within the stipulated time.
Judging Criteria
  • Creativity & Originality
  • Relevance to Theme
  • Costume & Makeup
  • Coordination & Synchronization
  • Stage Performance
  • Overall Impact
Registration
  • Registration Fee: ₹5,000 per entry
  • Last Date for Registration: 31st July, 2026

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