Overview
Celebrate the rich diversity of India’s cultural heritage! Aarts Maestro invites students to explore and share stories, experiences, and reflections on India’s vibrant festivals through a Photography competition. From Diwali to Onam, participants can highlight the traditions, rituals, regional uniqueness, or personal experiences that make each festival special.
Bring your voice, creativity, and reel making skills to showcase the spirit of Bharat’s festivals in an engaging and inspiring photo shoot.
Guidelines & Requirements
🎆 Festivals of Bharat – Photography Competition
📷 Format & Submission
-
Capture an original photograph that reflects the “Festivals of Bharat” theme
-
Upload the image via the submission link on the Aarts Maestro competition page
-
Image specifications:
-
Format: JPEG or PNG
-
Maximum file size: [10 MB]
-
-
Entrants must ensure the photograph is their own work. Use of stock images, heavy digital composition/manipulation or AI generated elements (unless permitted) is prohibited
-
Provide a caption or short description (in English or an Indian language) that contextualises the photograph: festival name, location, story, what you captured and why
-
Submit with any required registration details (name, age, email, category etc) as per the competition page
👥 Eligibility
-
Open to students (school & college) in the age group [insert age range – e.g., 8–25 years], or as specified
-
Individual participation only
-
Registration through Aarts Maestro’s competition portal is mandatory
📋 Judging Criteria
Your entries will be evaluated on:
-
Creativity & Originality – unique perspective, fresh storytelling
-
Relevance to Theme – how well your photograph embodies “Festivals of Bharat”
-
Technical & Visual Quality – clarity, composition, lighting, resolution, suitability for display
-
Impact & Presentation – emotional resonance, cultural depth, and how compelling the image is
⚠️ Terms & Conditions
-
Only one entry per participant is permitted unless otherwise specified. Multiple entries will result in disqualification.
-
Entries must strictly adhere to the format and technical requirements. Submissions failing to meet them may be rejected.
-
By submitting, participants grant Aarts Maestro the right to use their photograph (non-exclusive, worldwide) for promotional/display purposes.
-
Aarts Maestro reserves the right to disqualify any submission that:
-
Is plagiarised or uses unauthorised copyrighted material.
-
Contains objectionable, offensive or inappropriate content.
-
Fails to meet the theme, originality or eligibility criteria.
-
-
Keep original files (RAW or high-resolution originals) as the organisers may request verification.
Awards & Prizes
- Cash Prizes
₹ 4,000* for Youth
₹ 2,500* for Teens
₹ 2,000* for Tweens - Winners Medal
- Winner Certificate
- Winner Badges
- Gift Vouchers
- Aarts Maestro Portfolio
- Artwork Showcase
- Mentorship Program
- Cash Prizes
₹ 3,000* for Youth
₹ 2,000* for Teens
₹ 1,500* for Tweens - Runners up Medal
- Winner Certificate
- Winner Badges
- Gift Vouchers
- Aarts Maestro Portfolio
- Artwork Showcase
- Mentorship Program
- Cash Prizes
₹ 2,000* for Youth
₹ 1,500* for Teens
₹ 1,000* for Tweens - Runners up Medal
- Winner Certificate
- Winner Badges
- Gift Vouchers
- Aarts Maestro Portfolio
- Artwork Showcase
- Mentorship Program
- 4th - 10th Prizes : Medal | Vouchers & Winners Certificate | Aarts Maestro Portfolio | Badges | Artwork Showcase | Mentorship Program
- 11th - 20th Prizes : Vouchers & Winners Certificate | Aarts Maestro Portfolio | Badges | Artwork Showcase | Mentorship Program
- 21st - 30th Prizes : Vouchers & Winners Certificate | Aarts Maestro Portfolio | Badges | Artwork Showcase | Mentorship Program
- For all Participants : Participation Certificate | Aarts Maestro Portfolio | Artwork Showcase of shortlisted entries
* We keep adding the prizes as we collaborate with Sponsors and Partners
* Above prizes are for each age groups
* Taxes, if applicable, to be paid by winners
Special Awards for School
Top 2 schools, across each category that enables maximum number of students to participate will get a special "Friends of Art" Trophy!
Theme
India is a land of diverse cultures, languages, and traditions, and its festivals reflect this vibrant mosaic. From Diwali’s lights to Holi’s colors, from Onam’s harvest celebrations to Navaratri Celebrations, each festival carries unique stories, rituals, and emotions.
The theme “Festivals of Bharat” invites students to explore and share these traditions through a Photography, highlighting:
-
Cultural Significance: The history, origins, and meaning behind festivals.
-
Traditions & Rituals: Customs, local practices, and celebrations that make each festival special.
-
Personal Experiences: Stories from your family, community, or school that show the joy and spirit of festivals.
-
Unity in Diversity: How festivals bring people together across regions, languages, and beliefs.
-
Creative Interpretation: Innovative ways to showcase festivals through storytelling, music, visuals, or performance.
This theme encourages students to reflect on the rich cultural heritage of India, share their unique perspectives, and celebrate the spirit, joy, and unity that festivals bring to everyday life.
Jury Information
The Festivals of Bharat - Photography Competition is judged by an expert Jury Panel. This enables artists to get a well rounded perspective on their art and also all round exposure. To preserve the sanctity of the competition & the jury process, the names of our expert jury panel will not be made public until after the results are out.
The Judging Process and How it works :
-
Creativity & Originality – unique perspective, fresh storytelling
-
Relevance to Theme – how well your photograph embodies “Festivals of Bharat”
-
Technical & Visual Quality – clarity, composition, lighting, resolution, suitability for display
-
Impact & Presentation – emotional resonance, cultural depth, and how compelling the image is
The final result will be a combination of Jury Panel and public votes in a predefined ratio. It is in the interest of the participant to forward the entries once published onto Social Media handles, generate maximum interest & votes for their work.
All votes should be on the Aarts Maestro Platform only. Social media likes do not count as votes on the Aarts Maestro Platform. Aarts Maestro Fair Voting Policies require all those who vote to create an account, log-in and vote.
Key Dates & Timeline
-
Registration Closes
15th Jan
-
Submission Closes
31st Jan
* All timelines are at the sole discretion of the organizer and are liable to change with no prior notice
72129184 199621147
How to Enroll
Frequently Asked Questions
📝 Registration & Payment
How do I register for a competition?
Registration is simple: Create an account, complete your profile, browse available competitions, register and pay the participation fee (if applicable), then submit your entry according to the competition requirements.
What information do I need to provide during registration?
You'll need to provide basic personal information, educational details, age verification, and emergency contact information. Specific requirements may vary by competition.
Can I register for multiple competitions?
Yes, you can participate in multiple competitions simultaneously, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each and submit separate entries.
Is the registration fee refundable?
📤 Entry Submission
How do I submit my entry?
Each competition has specific submission requirements. Follow the guidelines provided in the competition details, which may include uploading files, answering questions, or submitting written responses.
What are the general submission guidelines?
Submissions must be original work, meet the specified format requirements, and be submitted before the deadline. Check each competition's specific guidelines for detailed requirements.
Can I edit my submission after submitting?
Generally, submissions cannot be modified once submitted. However, some competitions may allow edits before the deadline. Check the specific competition rules.
What file formats are typically accepted?
Accepted file formats vary by competition type. Common formats include PDF for documents, JPEG/PNG for images, and MP4 for videos. Always check the specific competition requirements.
Is there a limit on submission size?
Yes, file size limits vary by competition and submission type. Typical limits range from 5MB to 50MB. Check individual competition guidelines for specific limits.
⚖️ Rules & Guidelines
What can lead to disqualification?
Disqualification can occur due to plagiarism, submitting non-original work, violating content guidelines, missing deadlines, providing false information, or not meeting eligibility criteria.
What content is not allowed in submissions?
Submissions must not contain offensive, inappropriate, or harmful content including but not limited to discriminatory material, violence, or content that violates our community guidelines.
Are there age-specific rules?
Yes, some competitions have specific age group requirements and rules. Participants must compete in their correct age category and may need parental consent for minors.
What happens if I violate the rules?
Rule violations can result in warnings, disqualification, or account suspension depending on the severity. Serious violations may lead to permanent ban from the platform.
📧 Communication & Support
How will I receive competition updates?
Updates are sent through your platform inbox, email notifications, and announcements on the website. Make sure to check your inbox regularly and whitelist our email address.
How can I contact support?
You can reach our support team via email at hello@aartsmaestro.com or through the contact form on our website. We typically respond within 24-48 hours.
When are competition results announced?
Result timelines vary by competition. Check the specific competition details for announcement dates. You'll be notified through your inbox and email when results are available.
What happens if I win a competition?
Winners will be contacted for verification, which may include identity proof, residence documentation, and for minors, parental consent. Prize distribution details will be provided upon verification.
Terms & Conditions
Parental Consent : Registration of the minor for the competition is with full parental consent, as granted during the profile creation process.
Limited Grant of Rights: Aarts Maestro respects the creator's copyright to their work and the same shall remain vested with the creator of the image. By entering into the competition, you grant the platform Aarts Maestro, the organiser / sponsor of the competition, their licensees and designees, the worldwide, irrevocable, perpetual, royalty-free right to use the entry in the platform / sponsor / organizers print, electronic and web communications, on digital assets, products or any merchandise, and in ads promoting future competitions, without further permission, compensation, or notification. You further agree that the said platform / organizer / sponsor shall have the right, but not the obligation, to use your name and /or photograph for the same purposes.
For any help, contact us: hello@aartsmaestro.com (+91 78293 91391 | +91 78293 92392)
Global Big Cats Photography Competition 2025 - Award Ceremony Highlights
Trusted by leading Partners & Organizations
Supported by
Festivals of Bharat | Photography Competition
Registration Closed
Stay tuned for future events
Overview
Celebrate the rich diversity of India’s cultural heritage! Aarts Maestro invites students to explore and share stories, experiences, and reflections on India’s vibrant festivals through a Photography competition. From Diwali to Onam, participants can highlight the traditions, rituals, regional uniqueness, or personal experiences that make each festival special.
Bring your voice, creativity, and reel making skills to showcase the spirit of Bharat’s festivals in an engaging and inspiring photo shoot.
Guidelines & Requirements
🎆 Festivals of Bharat – Photography Competition
📷 Format & Submission
-
Capture an original photograph that reflects the “Festivals of Bharat” theme
-
Upload the image via the submission link on the Aarts Maestro competition page
-
Image specifications:
-
Format: JPEG or PNG
-
Maximum file size: [10 MB]
-
-
Entrants must ensure the photograph is their own work. Use of stock images, heavy digital composition/manipulation or AI generated elements (unless permitted) is prohibited
-
Provide a caption or short description (in English or an Indian language) that contextualises the photograph: festival name, location, story, what you captured and why
-
Submit with any required registration details (name, age, email, category etc) as per the competition page
👥 Eligibility
-
Open to students (school & college) in the age group [insert age range – e.g., 8–25 years], or as specified
-
Individual participation only
-
Registration through Aarts Maestro’s competition portal is mandatory
📋 Judging Criteria
Your entries will be evaluated on:
-
Creativity & Originality – unique perspective, fresh storytelling
-
Relevance to Theme – how well your photograph embodies “Festivals of Bharat”
-
Technical & Visual Quality – clarity, composition, lighting, resolution, suitability for display
-
Impact & Presentation – emotional resonance, cultural depth, and how compelling the image is
⚠️ Terms & Conditions
-
Only one entry per participant is permitted unless otherwise specified. Multiple entries will result in disqualification.
-
Entries must strictly adhere to the format and technical requirements. Submissions failing to meet them may be rejected.
-
By submitting, participants grant Aarts Maestro the right to use their photograph (non-exclusive, worldwide) for promotional/display purposes.
-
Aarts Maestro reserves the right to disqualify any submission that:
-
Is plagiarised or uses unauthorised copyrighted material.
-
Contains objectionable, offensive or inappropriate content.
-
Fails to meet the theme, originality or eligibility criteria.
-
-
Keep original files (RAW or high-resolution originals) as the organisers may request verification.
Awards & Prizes
- Cash Prizes
₹ 4,000* for Youth
₹ 2,500* for Teens
₹ 2,000* for Tweens - Winners Medal
- Winner Certificate
- Winner Badges
- Gift Vouchers
- Aarts Maestro Portfolio
- Artwork Showcase
- Mentorship Program
- Cash Prizes
₹ 3,000* for Youth
₹ 2,000* for Teens
₹ 1,500* for Tweens - Runners up Medal
- Winner Certificate
- Winner Badges
- Gift Vouchers
- Aarts Maestro Portfolio
- Artwork Showcase
- Mentorship Program
- Cash Prizes
₹ 2,000* for Youth
₹ 1,500* for Teens
₹ 1,000* for Tweens - Runners up Medal
- Winner Certificate
- Winner Badges
- Gift Vouchers
- Aarts Maestro Portfolio
- Artwork Showcase
- Mentorship Program
- 4th - 10th Prizes : Medal | Vouchers & Winners Certificate | Aarts Maestro Portfolio | Badges | Artwork Showcase | Mentorship Program
- 11th - 20th Prizes : Vouchers & Winners Certificate | Aarts Maestro Portfolio | Badges | Artwork Showcase | Mentorship Program
- 21st - 30th Prizes : Vouchers & Winners Certificate | Aarts Maestro Portfolio | Badges | Artwork Showcase | Mentorship Program
- For all Participants : Participation Certificate | Aarts Maestro Portfolio | Artwork Showcase of shortlisted entries
* We keep adding the prizes as we collaborate with Sponsors and Partners
* Above prizes are for each age groups
* Taxes, if applicable, to be paid by winners
Special Awards for School
Top 2 schools, across each category that enables maximum number of students to participate will get a special "Friends of Art" Trophy!
Theme
India is a land of diverse cultures, languages, and traditions, and its festivals reflect this vibrant mosaic. From Diwali’s lights to Holi’s colors, from Onam’s harvest celebrations to Navaratri Celebrations, each festival carries unique stories, rituals, and emotions.
The theme “Festivals of Bharat” invites students to explore and share these traditions through a Photography, highlighting:
-
Cultural Significance: The history, origins, and meaning behind festivals.
-
Traditions & Rituals: Customs, local practices, and celebrations that make each festival special.
-
Personal Experiences: Stories from your family, community, or school that show the joy and spirit of festivals.
-
Unity in Diversity: How festivals bring people together across regions, languages, and beliefs.
-
Creative Interpretation: Innovative ways to showcase festivals through storytelling, music, visuals, or performance.
This theme encourages students to reflect on the rich cultural heritage of India, share their unique perspectives, and celebrate the spirit, joy, and unity that festivals bring to everyday life.
Jury Information
The Festivals of Bharat - Photography Competition is judged by an expert Jury Panel. This enables artists to get a well rounded perspective on their art and also all round exposure. To preserve the sanctity of the competition & the jury process, the names of our expert jury panel will not be made public until after the results are out.
The Judging Process and How it works :
-
Creativity & Originality – unique perspective, fresh storytelling
-
Relevance to Theme – how well your photograph embodies “Festivals of Bharat”
-
Technical & Visual Quality – clarity, composition, lighting, resolution, suitability for display
-
Impact & Presentation – emotional resonance, cultural depth, and how compelling the image is
The final result will be a combination of Jury Panel and public votes in a predefined ratio. It is in the interest of the participant to forward the entries once published onto Social Media handles, generate maximum interest & votes for their work.
All votes should be on the Aarts Maestro Platform only. Social media likes do not count as votes on the Aarts Maestro Platform. Aarts Maestro Fair Voting Policies require all those who vote to create an account, log-in and vote.
Key Dates & Timeline
-
Registration Closes
15th Jan
-
Submission Closes
31st Jan
* All timelines are at the sole discretion of the organizer and are liable to change with no prior notice
72129184 199621147
How to Enroll
Frequently Asked Questions
📝 Registration & Payment
How do I register for a competition?
Registration is simple: Create an account, complete your profile, browse available competitions, register and pay the participation fee (if applicable), then submit your entry according to the competition requirements.
What information do I need to provide during registration?
You'll need to provide basic personal information, educational details, age verification, and emergency contact information. Specific requirements may vary by competition.
Can I register for multiple competitions?
Yes, you can participate in multiple competitions simultaneously, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each and submit separate entries.
Is the registration fee refundable?
📤 Entry Submission
How do I submit my entry?
Each competition has specific submission requirements. Follow the guidelines provided in the competition details, which may include uploading files, answering questions, or submitting written responses.
What are the general submission guidelines?
Submissions must be original work, meet the specified format requirements, and be submitted before the deadline. Check each competition's specific guidelines for detailed requirements.
Can I edit my submission after submitting?
Generally, submissions cannot be modified once submitted. However, some competitions may allow edits before the deadline. Check the specific competition rules.
What file formats are typically accepted?
Accepted file formats vary by competition type. Common formats include PDF for documents, JPEG/PNG for images, and MP4 for videos. Always check the specific competition requirements.
Is there a limit on submission size?
Yes, file size limits vary by competition and submission type. Typical limits range from 5MB to 50MB. Check individual competition guidelines for specific limits.
⚖️ Rules & Guidelines
What can lead to disqualification?
Disqualification can occur due to plagiarism, submitting non-original work, violating content guidelines, missing deadlines, providing false information, or not meeting eligibility criteria.
What content is not allowed in submissions?
Submissions must not contain offensive, inappropriate, or harmful content including but not limited to discriminatory material, violence, or content that violates our community guidelines.
Are there age-specific rules?
Yes, some competitions have specific age group requirements and rules. Participants must compete in their correct age category and may need parental consent for minors.
What happens if I violate the rules?
Rule violations can result in warnings, disqualification, or account suspension depending on the severity. Serious violations may lead to permanent ban from the platform.
📧 Communication & Support
How will I receive competition updates?
Updates are sent through your platform inbox, email notifications, and announcements on the website. Make sure to check your inbox regularly and whitelist our email address.
How can I contact support?
You can reach our support team via email at hello@aartsmaestro.com or through the contact form on our website. We typically respond within 24-48 hours.
When are competition results announced?
Result timelines vary by competition. Check the specific competition details for announcement dates. You'll be notified through your inbox and email when results are available.
What happens if I win a competition?
Winners will be contacted for verification, which may include identity proof, residence documentation, and for minors, parental consent. Prize distribution details will be provided upon verification.
Terms & Conditions
Parental Consent : Registration of the minor for the competition is with full parental consent, as granted during the profile creation process.
Limited Grant of Rights: Aarts Maestro respects the creator's copyright to their work and the same shall remain vested with the creator of the image. By entering into the competition, you grant the platform Aarts Maestro, the organiser / sponsor of the competition, their licensees and designees, the worldwide, irrevocable, perpetual, royalty-free right to use the entry in the platform / sponsor / organizers print, electronic and web communications, on digital assets, products or any merchandise, and in ads promoting future competitions, without further permission, compensation, or notification. You further agree that the said platform / organizer / sponsor shall have the right, but not the obligation, to use your name and /or photograph for the same purposes.
For any help, contact us: hello@aartsmaestro.com (+91 78293 91391 | +91 78293 92392)
Global Big Cats Photography Competition 2025 - Award Ceremony Highlights
Trusted by leading Partners & Organizations
Supported by
Festivals of Bharat | Photography Competition
Registration Closed
Stay tuned for future events