Sonzal 2024: A Celebration of Youth Talent at the University of Kashmir

The University of Kashmir is set to host its much-anticipated Sonzal-2024 Inter-University Youth Festival, a prestigious event that showcases the diverse talents of students from various educational institutions. This annual festival serves as a dynamic platform for students to explore and express their creative potential while fostering camaraderie and cultural exchange. With competitions ranging from music and dance to fine arts and literary events, Sonzal-2024 promises to be an enriching experience that nurtures leadership, confidence, and teamwork among participants.

Sonzal-2024

Sonzal, which translates to “rainbow” in Kashmiri, symbolizes the vibrant spectrum of talent and creativity that the youth possess. The festival is designed to celebrate this diversity, providing students with opportunities to excel in their chosen fields. Sonzal-2024 will feature a wide array of events, including music, dance, theatre, literary competitions, and fine arts, all aimed at showcasing the best talent from participating universities and colleges.

Events scheduled for Sonzal-2024 at the University of Kashmir:

Event Category	Sub-Event	Number of Participants Allowed	Time Limit	Key Judging Criteria
Music	Folk Instrumental Solo	1 entry per institution	5 minutes	Taal, composition, general impression
	Light Vocal (Indian)	1 entry per institution	4-6 minutes	Swara, taal, raga, general impression
	Western Vocal Solo	1 entry per institution	4-6 minutes	Composition, rhythm, coordination
	Group Song (Indian)	6 singers + 3 musicians	10 minutes	Quality of singing
	Group Song (Western)	6 singers + 3 musicians	10 minutes	Quality of singing
	Western Instrumental Solo	2 entries per institution	6-8 minutes	Composition, technique, overall impression
Dance	Folk/Tribal Dance	10 participants + 5 musicians	10 minutes	Rhythm, formation, expression, costumes
Literary Events	Quiz	1 team per institution	As per competition	Knowledge, speed, accuracy
	Elocution	1 speaker per institution	5 minutes	Content, clarity, presentation
	Debate	2 speakers per institution (FOR & AGAINST)	5 minutes per speaker	Argument, clarity, presentation
Theatre	Mimicry	2 entries per institution	5 minutes	Skill in imitating, variety, presentation
Fine Arts	On-the-Spot Painting	5 participants per institution	2 hours	Creativity, theme, execution
	Collage	5 participants per institution	2 hours	Creativity, composition, use of materials
	Poster Making	5 participants per institution	2 hours	Creativity, theme, execution
	Clay Modeling	5 participants per institution	2 hours	Creativity, craftsmanship, theme
	Cartooning	5 participants per institution	2.5 hours	Creativity, humor, execution
	Rangoli	5 participants per institution	2 hours	Design, creativity, neatness
	Spot Photography	1 participant per institution	2 hours	Composition, creativity, technical quality
	Mehandi	1 participant + 1 model per institution	2.5 hours	Originality, creativity, design

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Event Highlights and Categories

The festival comprises numerous events, each designed to challenge participants and help them grow in their respective fields. Below is an overview of some of the key categories:

1. Music Competitions

• Folk Instrumental Solo: Students will perform on traditional Kashmiri instruments like Rabab, Sarangi, and Santoor.
• Light Vocal (Indian): Non-film songs such as ghazals, bhajans, and shabads will be performed, focusing on classical elements like swara and taal.
• Western Vocal Solo: Participants will perform English songs with emphasis on rhythm and coordination.
• Group Song (Indian and Western): Teams will present patriotic and folk songs or western compositions, judged on the quality of singing.

2. Dance Performances

• Folk/Tribal Dance: Teams will perform traditional dances from various regions, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of India. No recorded music or tracks are allowed; all performances must have live music.

3. Literary Events

• Quiz: Teams will participate in a preliminary written round followed by a final oral round, testing their general knowledge.
• Elocution and Debate: These events will test students’ oratory and argumentative skills, with topics provided 12 hours before the event.

4. Theatre and Mimicry

• Students can showcase their acting skills in mimicry events, imitating well-known personalities or creating original performances.

5. Fine Arts

• On-the-Spot Painting: Participants will create paintings based on themes given on the spot, showcasing their artistic flair.
• Clay Modeling, Cartooning, Poster Making, and Rangoli: These creative events allow students to demonstrate their skills in various mediums of visual arts.

Rules and Regulations

The University of Kashmir has laid out detailed rules to ensure a smooth and fair competition:

• Each institution can send a limited number of participants for each event.
• Age eligibility: Participants must be under 25 years as of July 1, 2024.
• Each participant must carry a valid identity card from their respective institution.
• The festival upholds the values of sustainability, with the university being a polythene-free and smoke-free campus.

Prizes and Recognition

Winners from each event will be awarded prizes and will have the opportunity to represent their institution at zonal, national, and international levels. However, winning first place does not guarantee qualification for higher levels, as final decisions will be based on performance and competition standards at the zonal level.

How to Register for Sonzal-2024

Institutions are required to submit their registration forms along with a cover letter signed by the head of the institution by October 25, 2024. The forms should be emailed to shahidkhandsw@uok.edu.in. Additionally, each institution must nominate two nodal officers (one male and one female) to coordinate with the organizing secretary for smooth participation.

Frequently Asked Questions