Mission Shakti- DNH & DD 2026

This Goa government initiative by the Tiatr Academy supports the 'Zomnivoilo Khell', a traditional folk theatre, through Read More... annual competitions offering financial aid to performing troupes. Read less

Details

Goa's rich cultural heritage is being kept alive with the 'Competition of Zomnivoilo Khell' scheme. Launched by the Tiatr Academy under the Art, Culture and Museums Department, this initiative aims to preserve and promote 'The Khell', a unique form of traditional folk theatre also known as 'Fell' or 'Zomnivoilo Khell'.

What Is This Scheme?

The 'Competition of Zomnivoilo Khell' organizes annual contests across Goa to ensure this traditional theatre form is passed on to future generations. It provides crucial financial support to theatre groups for their production costs and acts as a platform to showcase these vibrant performances.

Who Can Benefit From This Scheme?

The scheme is for institutions or individuals who stage a 'Khell' performance. To be eligible, your Khell must have been performed during the current carnival season and strictly adhere to the traditional format requirements.

Why This Scheme Is Important

This scheme plays a vital role in safeguarding Goa's cultural identity. By encouraging and supporting traditional Khell performances, it helps maintain this art form, offers a stage for artists, and allows audiences to connect with their roots. The Tiatr Academy of Goa implements this scheme, accepting applications offline.

Objective

This Goa government initiative by the Tiatr Academy supports the 'Zomnivoilo Khell', a traditional folk theatre, through annual competitions offering financial aid to performing troupes.

Benefits

Mission Shakti, launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD), is a 15th Finance Commission scheme functioning as a unified, umbrella program to ensure women's safety, security, and empowerment. It operates through two main verticals—Sambal (protection) and Samarthya (empowerment)—providing comprehensive support services, legal aid, and financial inclusion to women.

Sources and references

Official Website

Eligibility Criteria

You must be an institution or individual organizing a Khell performance.
Your Khell must have been staged during the current carnival season.
The Khell must strictly follow the traditional Zomnivoilo Khell format, including 8 to 10 songs called Cantos.
Each Canto needs to have 2 verses and one chorus, with limited dialogues.
The total duration of each Khell performance must be between 40 to 60 minutes.
Any comedy included in the Khell must be relevant to the story.
Traditional musical instruments like drums and two blowing instruments must be used.
No content should contain adverse remarks against any government, individuals, institutions, or be offensive to any caste, creed, or religion.
Except for musicians, artists can only participate in one group and one Khell performance.
All participants must attend a discussion session on the performances.
The three Khell troupes that won 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in the previous competition get direct entry if they apply on time.

How To Apply

Download and fill out the prescribed application form.
Submit the completed application form offline to the Tiatr Academy of Goa.
Ensure all required documents are attached.

Applications are accepted offline. For the official address and application form details, please refer to the official notifications or contact the Tiatr Academy of Goa.

Documents Required

Self-attested copy of your Aadhaar Card.
Self-attested copy of your Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card.
One typed copy of the script/lyrics of the Khell. (Handwritten copies are not accepted).
A list of cast members with their character names.
Details of costumes, live music band, writer, and director.

Official Sources

*Handwritten copies of script and lyrics are not accepted.

FAQ’s

What happens if a troupe withdraws after being selected, and how are open spots filled?

If any of the 12 selected participants withdraws, the first Khell on the waiting list will be invited to fill the vacant spot.

Will my Khell performance be recorded, and will I get a copy?

Yes, the Tiatr Academy of Goa will video film all 12 performances for their library. You'll receive a complimentary Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) copy of your performance.

Can I submit handwritten scripts and lyrics for the competition?

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

What are the rules about participating in multiple Khells during the competition?

Artists and backstage crew can participate in only one group and one Khell. However, musicians are allowed to perform in multiple Khells.

What is the duration limit for a Khell performance in this competition?

Each Zomnivoilo Khell performance must be between 40 to 60 minutes long.

What kind of musical instruments are mandatory for the Khell performance?

The traditional Khell performance must use drums and two blowing instruments as per the format requirements.

Is there any financial prize for the winners of the competition?

No, there are no cash prizes. The top three winning Khell troupes will receive mementos.

What are the content restrictions for the Khell script and performance?

Your Khell should not include any adverse remarks against governments, individuals, or institutions, nor should it be against any caste, creed, or religion.

How do I apply for the Competition of Zomnivoilo Khell?

You need to fill out the prescribed application form and submit it offline to the Tiatr Academy of Goa, along with all required documents.

Which Khell performances are eligible for this competition?

Only Khell performances that were staged during the current carnival season are eligible to participate.

Do I need to attend any specific sessions as part of the competition rules?

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

Are previous year's winners automatically eligible for the competition?

Yes, the first, second, and third place winners from the previous competition receive direct entry, provided they apply within the stipulated time.

What specific structural requirements must a Khell follow?

Your Zomnivoilo Khell must have between 8 to 10 songs (Cantos), with each Canto containing 2 verses and a chorus, and should have limited dialogues.

Who will receive the financial assistance cheque?

The financial assistance cheque will be issued solely in the name of the applicant as listed in Serial Number 1 of the application form.