Youth Diwali Art/Performance Contest (and Audition for Wonderful India Festival of Lights)

Illuminate the stage with your talent! Young artists, writers, and performers are invited to share their interpretation of the story and spirit of Diwali, the timeless story of hope and renewal, through visual art, written word, and live performance. Showcase your craft and compete for a chance to participate in this season's culminating event, Wonderful India Festival of Lights, on November 14th.

BONUS: Enjoy a special guest performance by UT ensemble Healing with Harmonies following the contestant presentations.

What happens on November 8th?Think of November 8th as both a contest (with prizes!) as well as a low-pressure audition for the grand Festival of Lights on November 14th.All registered contestants will perform/display their work on November 8th in a grand ballroom setting in front of their peers and invited guests. Top artists/performers will receive an invitation to participate in the November 14th festival in front of the Austin community at large.Parents and teachers be sure to bring your cameras!

The Grand Honor and Prizes!

Festival Invitation: Top submissions will earn an exclusive invitation to perform or display their winning work live at the Festival of Lights event on Saturday, November 14th, 2026!

Community Partner Prizes: Winners in each category will receive special gift card prize packages courtesy of our local community partners.

Recognition: All contestants will receive an official certificate of participation from Wonderful India.

Contest CategoriesIndividual submissions only, except for dance entries. Contestants may only submit one work for consideration per category. Contestants can compete in more than one category.

Visual Arts: 1 piece of 2-D or 3-D artwork in any medium and size depicting a scene from the story of Diwali or the overarching theme of Diwali.

Poetry and Written Word: One original poem or prose (up to 1,000 words)

Monologue Performance: Memorized spoken word or dramatic piece (up to 5 minutes)

Music Performance: Solo instrumental or vocal piece (up to 5 minutes)

Dance Performance (Individual): Solo dance piece in any style (up to 5 minutes)

Group Dance Performance: Group dance piece in any style (up to 8 minutes)

Age GroupsOpen to ages 5 to 17.Submission and live performance will be judged in three age divisions. There will be winners in each age division.

Junior Division: Ages 5 to 9

Intermediate Division: Ages 10 to 13

Senior Division: Ages 14 to 17

Judging Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated on Connection to Theme (Diwali, Light over Darkness), Creativity & Originality, Technique & Skill, and overall Presentation & Engagement.

Contestant Registration and Logistics

Entry Fee: $25 (nonrefundable) per submission. Select the Contestant Ticket at checkout.

Limited spots available. Contest entry is not confirmed until Contestant Ticket is purchased.

Date: November 8, 2026 | 5p to 7p

Arrival and Setup: Contestants are responsible for bringing their completed submissions, instruments, and any necessary files or display materials to the venue on the day of the event. Setup begins at 4pm. Contest begins sharply at 5p and ends at 7p. Teardown/load out should be completed by 7:30p. Contestants are expected to remain onsite for the duration of the event. Late arrivals will not be allowed to compete.

Category Setup Details

Visual Artists: Table and chair will be available. Contestant must setup and bring any necessary easel, stand, tablecloth, or artwork display cards.

Poets/Writers: Table and chair will be available. Contestant must setup and bring two printed copies of their written entry for audience and judging panel.

Monologue Performers: Microphone and sound system provided. Costumes are optional; line memorization strongly encouraged.

Musicians/ Singers: Microphones and sound amplification via speaker will be provided. Bring your own instrument or audio backing track on a USB flash drive or device.

Dancers: Sound system provided for backing track playback. Bring audio files preloaded on a USB flash drive or playback device.

Parents/GuardiansAll youth contestants must be accompanied by a parent or guardian during the event. Provide parent/guardian contact info in the checkout details.

Attendees/GuestsEvent is open to the public. If you plan to attend and are not the accompanying parent/ guardian for a contestant, then select the Attendee Ticket at checkout.

Part of a 14-month series:This Youth Arts Contest is part of the first cycle of a 14-month series of events scheduled during the 2026-27 season of the Wonderful India movement in Austin, Texas. Read more about the movement and stay up-to-date with upcoming events at WonderfulIndia.org