42nd Annual Indian Music & Dance Competition
December 19 & 20, 2026 · Howard County Arts Council, Ellicott City, Maryland
Enter the CompetitionDownload the Flyer (PDF)Become a Sponsor
42 years of Indian music and dance. Outside India, there is almost nothing like it: this is one of the only Indian music and dance competitions held anywhere outside India to have run for 42 years, bringing performers from across the United States, Canada and Europe to Maryland.
8360 Court Avenue
Ellicott City, MD 21043
About the Competition
For 42 years, the Academy of Indian Music has hosted the Annual Indian Music & Dance Competition in Maryland, one of the only competitions of its kind held outside India. It brings together participants from across the United States, with competitors over the years from Canada and Europe as well. Entrants range from beginners to advanced performers, and from children to seniors, in North Indian and South Indian music and dance.
Categories
Instrumental
- Sitar
- Tabla
- Instrumental (all other melodic instruments)
Vocal
- North Indian Classical Vocal
- South Indian Classical Vocal
- Ghazal
- Devotional (Bhajan / Shabad)
- Thumri
- Filmi Songs
- Duet (Filmi / Non-Filmi)
- Nazrul Geeti
- Rabindra Sangeet
- Performance (special, non-competitive)
Dances
- Bharatnatyam
- Orissi
- Kuchipudi
- Kathak
- Dances of India – Solo (folk, pop, etc.)
- Dances of India – Group
See the full category list · Read the rules · Directions & venue
Two Ways to Enter
Option 1: Enter & Pay Online
Fill out the secure online entry form and pay by credit or debit card through Stripe. Your entry is complete as soon as payment succeeds.
- $50 per category
- + card processing fee added at checkout (example: 1 category = $50.00 + $1.80 fee = $51.80)
Option 2: Download the Entry Form & Mail a Check
Download and print the entry form, fill it out, and mail it with your check. You pay only the entry fees – nothing extra.
- $50 per category, no added fees
- Checks payable to Aimrec
1403 Woodcliff Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21228
Either way, entries are due by November 30, 2026.
Sponsor the Competition
Become a Sponsor or Program Advertiser
Support 42 years of Indian music and dance, and put your name in front of our audience. Download the sponsorship form, fill it out and mail it with your check.
Checks payable to AIMREC, 1403 Woodcliff Ave., Baltimore, MD 21228.
Questions?
Call (443) 631-3845 (Baltimore) or use our contact page.
