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Sports & Culture

Competition of Zomnivoilo Khell

The scheme aims to preserve and promote the traditional folk theatre of Goa called 'The Khell'. It provides financial assistance to participating theatre troupes in annual competitions organized across Goa. The applications for this scheme are accepted offline through prescribed application forms.

Authority

State/ UT

Region

Goa

Status

Verified 2026

Updated

March 2026

What you get

- Financial assistance towards production costs as fixed by Tiatr Academy of Goa from time to time. | - Mementos awarded to first three winning positions (no cash prizes). | - Video recording of all performances for preservation in Tiatr Academy of Goa library. | - Complimentary Digital Versatile Disc copy of the performance provided to the director. | - Platform for showcasing traditional Khell performances to wider audiences.

Who can apply

The applicant must be an institution or individual organizing a Khell performance.; The applicant must have staged the Khell during the current carnival season.; The applicant must comply with the exact format of Zomnivoilo Khell comprising 8 to 10 songs called Cantos.; The applicant must ensure each canto consists of 2 verses and one chorus with limited dialogues.; The applicant must maintain the duration of each Khell between 40 to 60 minutes.; The applicant must ensure comedy in the Khell is related to the story.; The applicant must use traditional musical instruments including drums and two blowing instruments.; The applicant must ensure no adverse remarks are made against any governments, individuals, institutions, or anything against caste, creed, and religion.; Artists can participate in only one group and one Khell (except musicians who can participate in multiple Khells).; Mandatory attendance at discussion session on positive and negative aspects of performances.; No adverse remarks against any governments, individuals, institutions, or anything against caste, creed, and religion.; The three Khell troupes which won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in the previous competition receive direct entry provided they apply within stipulated time.

Required Paperwork

  • Aadhaar Card
  • PAN Card
  • Income Certificate
  • Residence Proof (Domicile)

Common Questions

What documents do I need to submit along with my application for participating in this traditional folk theatre competition?

You must submit self attested copies of your Aadhaar Card and Permanent Account Number Card along with one typed copy of the complete script and lyrics of your Khell performance.

Can artists and technicians participate in multiple Khell performances during the same competition season?

Artists including technicians and backstage artists can participate in only one group and one Khell performance, however musicians are permitted to participate in more than one Khell.

What are the specific format requirements that my traditional Khell performance must follow to be eligible for participation?

Your Zomnivoilo Khell must comprise 8 to 10 songs called Cantos, with each canto consisting of 2 verses and one chorus, limited dialogues, and the entire performance duration should be between 40 to 60 minutes.

How many Khell troupes are permitted to participate in the annual competition and what is the selection process?

Only 12 Khells are permitted to participate in the competition, with the three previous year winners getting direct entry and the remaining 9 places filled through lottery if applications exceed the limit.

What traditional musical instruments must be used during the Khell performance to maintain authenticity?

The traditional Khell must use drums and two blowing instruments as specified in the original format requirements for this folk theatre form.

Are there any restrictions on the content or themes that can be included in my Khell script and performance?

No adverse remarks should be made against any governments, individuals, institutions, or anything against caste, creed, and religion in scripts, lyrics, performances, or speeches that may hurt sentiments.

What financial support will be provided to participating troupes and are there any cash prizes for winners?

Each participating troupe receives financial assistance towards production costs as fixed by the Tiatr Academy of Goa, but there are no cash prizes, only mementos for the first three winners.

Is it mandatory to attend any meetings or discussions as part of the competition participation requirements?

Yes, it is compulsory for all participants to attend a discussion on positive and negative aspects of performances at the Conference Hall of Tiatr Academy of Goa.

What happens if my troupe withdraws from the competition after being selected, and how are vacant positions filled?

If any of the 12 participants withdraws due to any reason, the vacant place will be filled by the Khell that is first on the waiting list.

During which time period must my Khell have been performed to be eligible for participation in the competition?

Only those Khells which have been staged during the current carnival season can participate in this competition organized by the Tiatr Academy of Goa.

Can I submit handwritten copies of my script and lyrics along with the application form for the competition?

No, handwritten copies of scripts and lyrics are not accepted; you must submit one typed copy of the complete script and lyrics of your Khell.

What will happen to the video recordings of our performances and will we receive copies for our records?

The Tiatr Academy of Goa will video film all 12 performances for preservation in their library, and a Digital Versatile Disc copy will be presented to the director.

In whose name will the financial assistance cheque be issued and what identification is required for receiving payment?

The cheque towards financial assistance will be issued in the name of the applicant only as appearing at Serial Number 1 in the application form.

How will I be informed about the date, time, and venue for staging my Khell performance during the competition?

The date, time, and place of staging of the Khells will be communicated to all participating groups well in advance by the organizing committee.