• Participation is open to both CMTS members and non-members.
• Active CMTS members may participate at no additional participant fee.
• Non-members are required to pay a participation fee of $10 per participant.
• All participants must have a valid CMTS membership or must have paid the applicable non-member participation fee at the time of final program confirmation.
• Open to participants of all age groups.
• Group performances are strongly encouraged across all categories.

• 🎵 Isai Arangam (Featured Music Segment): A curated music presentation featuring multiple singers with live instrumental accompaniment. Categories include Youth & Adult Isai Arangam with themes such as Ilaiyaraaja Tribute, A.R. Rahman Tribute, 90s & 2000s Hits, Melody Medleys, Devotional Medleys, Folk/Retro Hits, Festival Special Songs, and Patriotic/Inspirational Songs. (Max 15 minutes)
• 🎻 Instrumental Fusion: Group-based instrumental performances — Keyboard, Violin, Flute or Percussion Ensembles, Multi-Instrument Orchestra, Indian-Western Fusion, and Instrumental Medleys. (Max 10 minutes)
• 💃 Dance Performances: Bharatanatyam, Classical, Semi-Classical, Folk, Contemporary, Cinematic, Theme-Based, and Fusion Dance. (Max 6 minutes)
• 👗 Grand Fashion Show: Traditional Indian Attire, State-wise Cultural Attire, Deepavali Fashion Walk, Family Fashion Showcase, and Unity in Diversity Presentation. (Max 15 minutes)
• 🎭 Skits & Comedy: Cultural & Family Skits, Comedy Skits, Social Message Presentations, Stand-Up Comedy, Mimicry, and Thematic Stage Presentations. All content must be family-friendly. (Max 10 minutes)
• ⭐ Talent Showcase: Unique group talents such as Magic Show, Martial Arts, Karate/Taekwondo, Yoga, Gymnastics, Speed/Live Art, Beatboxing, and other approved stage acts. (Max 6 minutes)
• ✨ Cultural Fusion: Classical & Contemporary, Folk & Modern, Dance & Music, East-West, and Multi-Cultural collaborative performances. (Max 6 minutes)

Also featured: Interactive Audience Programs (Finish/Guess the Song, Festival Trivia, Lucky Draw) and Special Deepavali Celebrations (Lamp Lighting Ceremony, Festival Message, Volunteer & Sponsor Recognition, Grand Finale) — managed by the CMTS Event Team.

• Requests for participation in multiple programs must be submitted during registration and are subject to Cultural Team approval.
• Priority will be given to programs that maximize overall community participation.
• Multiple performance participation is strongly discouraged.

STEP 1 – Program Intent Submission. Participants must provide:

• Program Category
• Program Title
• Team Lead Information
• Estimated Participant Count
• Estimated Duration

STEP 2 – Final Program Confirmation. Participants must provide:

• Final Participant List
• Final Audio Submission
• Program Description
• Technical Requirements

All submissions must be completed by the published deadlines.

• Audio files must be submitted in MP3 format.
• Only one final audio file per performance will be accepted.
• Audio modifications will not be performed by the CMTS team.
• Stage setup should remain minimal to support efficient program transitions.
• Special technical requests must be communicated in advance and are subject to approval.

All submissions will be reviewed by the CMTS Cultural Team and may be evaluated based on category balance, cultural appropriateness, community participation, audience engagement, program quality, time availability, and overall event flow.

CMTS reserves the right to modify, shorten, combine, or decline programs as necessary.

• Final program order will be determined solely by the CMTS Cultural Team.
• Participants must arrive at least 45 minutes prior to their scheduled performance.
• Event-day schedule changes will not be accommodated except under extraordinary circumstances.
• Late arrivals may result in program cancellation.

• Respect fellow participants, volunteers, organizers, and audience members.
• Adhere to assigned performance timings.
• Support efficient stage transitions.
• Maintain a positive and inclusive environment.
• Inappropriate conduct may result in removal from the event schedule.

• CMTS Deepavali Kondattam is a community celebration and not a competition.
• Participation indicates acceptance of all event guidelines.
• CMTS reserves the right to make final decisions regarding program selection, duration, scheduling, and event operations.
• Requests for exceptions will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.