Ankam 2026 • The Kalarippayattu League

About event

About Ankam

ANKAM 2026 is a premier cultural platform celebrating the heritage, discipline, diversity, and living traditions of Kalarippayattu.

Kalaris from across India are invited to apply and present their authentic lineage, style, and training system. ANKAM 2026 will feature six authentic Kalaris, participating on the strength of their lineage, profile, and performance presentation.

ANKAM is a curated league created to honour the Gurukkals, practitioners, and institutions committed to preserving and carrying forward the authentic traditions of Kalarippayattu.

Event details

Event at a Glance

calendar_month Date

3 October 2026

location_on Location

Vyloppilli Samskrithi Bhavan, Trivandrum

group Organiser

Kalari Sutra Foundation

award_star Participating Kalaris

6 Kalaris

timer Duration

15–21 minutes

diversity_2 Team Size

12–15 performers

Eligibility

Who Can Apply

Open to established Kalaris from across India, presenting their authentic lineage, style, and training system.

Each Kalari must present its authentic lineage, style, and training system to be considered for the six places.

Generic or misrepresented performances may affect the panel's review.

What you submit

Application Requirements

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Kalari Profile

Name, location, Gurukkal
Style and lineage
Brief history and achievements
Team size
Contact details

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Performance Video (3–5 min)

Must clearly show:

Authentic style and lineage
Technical skill and coordination
Performance quality and readiness

Five steps process

Registration Process

1
Complete application form
2
Upload profile + video
3
Submit team details
4
Accept event terms
5
Submit application

Deadline 10 September 2026

Six authentic Kalaris, representing distinct lineages and traditions, will participate in ANKAM 2026.

Register Now

Selection

How Entries Judged

Applications will be evaluated on:

Authenticity and lineage
Kalari profile and history
Technical strength
Discipline and coordination
Distinct identity and traditional character
Performance readiness
Video clarity and quality

Participation will be confirmed by the organising panel following review of each Kalari's lineage, profile, and performance presentation.

On the floor

Live Format

The ANKAM performance arena — 15–21

Minutes per performance

Each Kalari: minimum 15 minutes, maximum 21 minutes.

Must follow official structure, safety rules, and performance framework issued by organisers.

Performance Requirements

12–15 performers per team
Gurukkal should be the lead performer
Must represent declared tradition
Must follow safety and time limits
Weapons, props, and music must comply with guidelines

Why Participate

Represent Your Lineage

Present the living tradition of your Kalari before a wider audience.

Join Distinguished Company

Perform alongside five other exceptional Kalaris presenting India's living traditions.

Earn Recognition

Be honoured among the select Kalaris chosen to represent Kalarippayattu's authentic traditions at ANKAM 2026.

Shape the Future

Join a flagship league created to strengthen the visibility, credibility and future of Kalarippayattu.

Sign up now

Register Your Kalari

Complete every field below. Applications must be authorised by the Gurukkal or an appointed representative of the Kalari.

Kalari Details

Kalari name *

Please enter the name of your Kalari.

Established since *

Please enter the year your Kalari was established.

Founder's name *

Please enter the founder's name.

Gurukkal *

Please enter the name of your Gurukkal.

Complete address *

Please enter your Kalari's complete address.

Brief history of the Kalari *

Please share a brief history of your Kalari.

Style & Lineage

Practising style *

Please select your practising style.

Lineage details *

Please describe your lineage and training system.

Performance Details

Number of participants performing *

Teams must have between 12 and 15 performers.

Expected performance duration (minutes) *

Please enter the expected duration in minutes (15–21).

Will the Gurukkal lead the performance? *

Yes

No

Please let us know if the Gurukkal will lead the performance.

Brief performance description *

Please describe your proposed performance.

Performance video link *

Please provide a link to your performance video.

Please provide a 3–5-minute video demonstrating the Kalari's authentic style, lineage, technical ability, coordination, and performance readiness. Ensure that the link is accessible to the organising committee.

Contact & Online Information

Primary contact number *

Please enter a reachable phone number.

Secondary contact number

Email address *

Please enter a valid email address.

Instagram profile

Website

Declarations & Acceptance

I confirm that this application is submitted with the knowledge and authorisation of the Gurukkal or an authorised representative of the Kalari.

You must confirm authorisation to apply.

I confirm that all information provided in this application, including details of the Kalari's lineage, style, history, and performance, is true and accurate.

You must confirm the accuracy of your information.

I understand and agree that the participating team must follow all performance guidelines, safety requirements, time limits, and instructions issued by the organising committee.

You must agree to the rules and safety requirements.

I authorise Kalari Sutra Foundation to photograph, record, document, and use event-related media featuring our Kalari and participants for documentation, communication, archival, and promotional purposes.

You must provide media consent to apply.

I have read and accept the terms and conditions of ANKAM 2026 and agree to abide by the decisions and guidelines of the organising committee.

You must accept the terms and conditions to apply.

Applicant Confirmation

Name of the person submitting *

Please enter the name of the person submitting this application.

Role or designation *

Please enter your role or designation.

Date of submission *

Please enter the date of submission.

Applications must be authorised by Gurukkal/representative
Selection is at organisers discretion
Must follow rules, safety, and time limits

Misrepresentation leads to disqualification
Organiser may use event media for documentation and promotion
Organiser not liable for force majeure disruptions
Governing law: India, jurisdiction Thiruvananthapuram

Contact us

Speak to the Organisers

We're here to help. Reach out to our organisers with your questions, event details, or support needs, and we'll be happy to assist.

Phone (+91) 989-569-6954

Email kalarisutra@gmail.com