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Cultural Rulebook

YARONA 2026 — Official rules and guidelines for all cultural events.

One Dancer, One Stage

Guidelines

  • Time Duration: 2-3 minutes. Exceeding it would cause negative points.
  • Dance theme: Freestyle (Hip-Hop, Funk, Classical, Semi-classical, Contemporary).
  • Participants must submit their pre-cut and prepared audio before the event.
  • Participants must bring two copies of their pre-cut music in mp3 format in a pendrive to avoid technical issues. One copy must be submitted to the event coordinator before the performance.
  • A backup copy of the track must be readily available.
  • Vulgarity in any form is strictly prohibited (song lyrics, costumes, choreography, or gestures).
  • The judges’ decision is final and binding for all participants.

Judging Criteria

  • 01Costume & Visual Appeal
  • 02Overall Energy & Stage Presence
  • 03Creativity & Inclusion of New Ideas
  • 04Quality of the overall presentation
  • 05Dynamics & Musicality

Paired Passion

Guidelines

  • The time limit is 2 to 4 minutes. Exceeding the time limit will result in negative points.
  • Participants must bring two copies of their pre-cut music in mp3 format in pendrive to avoid technical issues. One copy must be submitted to the event coordinator before the performance.
  • No mandatory theme – participants are free to express themselves in any dance form (Hip-Hop, Funk, Classical, Semi-classical, Contemporary).
  • Usage of props are allowed, but they must inform the event coordinators in advance.
  • Lighting of matchsticks, candles and cigarettes or any derogatory acts are strictly prohibited.
  • The judges’ decision is final and binding for all participants.

Judging Criteria

  • 01Clear and expressive facial expressions
  • 02Stage presence
  • 03Movement & Rhythm
  • 04Costume & Visual Appeal
  • 05Choreography & Creativity

Rhythmic Revolution

Guidelines

  • A group must consist of at least 3 members.
  • Time duration must be between 5 to 8 minutes.
  • Freestyle Dance – (Hip-Hop, Funk, Classical, Semi-classical, Contemporary).
  • The music must be pre-cut and prepared beforehand and the participant must possess a backup copy of the audio mp3 format in a pendrive.
  • Vulgarity in any form (song lyrics, costumes, gestures, or choreography) is strictly prohibited.
  • The judges’ decision is final and binding for all teams.

Judging Criteria

  • 01Costume & Visual Appeal
  • 02Overall Energy & Stage Presence
  • 03Creativity & Inclusion of New Ideas
  • 04Quality of Overall Presentation
  • 05Dynamics & Musicality

Tune Twist Challenge

Guidelines

  • The participation must be solo.
  • Dancers will perform to a randomly selected song that is revealed only moments before the performance.
  • Participants get only a few seconds to react before they must start dancing.
  • Participants must not repeat their steps more than 2 times other than the hook steps that should be performed for the particular tune.
  • Participants must match their movements with the beat, lyrics, and energy of the song.
  • Facial expressions, confidence, and energy levels will play a big role in the judging process.
  • In some rounds, the music may change suddenly mid-performance, and dancers must seamlessly adapt to the new tune.

Judging Criteria

  • 01Costume & Visual appeal
  • 02Adaptability to the music
  • 03Creativity & Spontaneity
  • 04Stage presence & Energy
  • 05Quality of Overall Presentation

Battle Beats

Guidelines

  • Open to individual dancers only (No duos or groups).
  • Time duration: 1-2 minutes per round.
  • Participants who win will be continued for the next round.
  • Dance theme: Freestyle (Hip-Hop, Funk, Classical, Semi-classical, Contemporary).
  • Vulgarity in any form is strictly prohibited (costumes, choreography, or gestures).
  • The judges’ decision is final and binding for all teams.

Judging Criteria

  • 01Costume & Visual appeal
  • 02Adaptability to the music
  • 03Creativity & Spontaneity
  • 04Stage presence & Energy
  • 05Quality of Overall Presentation

Solo Spotlight

Guidelines

  • This is an individual event.
  • The participant is expected to choose a theme of their choice and should convey the same theme through their attire.
  • All kinds of attire are permitted, provided the costume maintains due decency including originals & fashion designs.
  • Purchased, professionally made, or rented costumes are permitted.
  • Participants are expected to carry any side track or props, if required.
  • VULGARITY is Strictly Prohibited.

Judging Criteria

  • 01Appropriate usage of style statements and accessories.
  • 02Walking Stance
  • 03Confidence & Body language
  • 04Tag line/theme portrayal

Runway Rhapsody

Guidelines

  • This is a Group event.
  • The participants as a team is expected to choose a theme of their choice and should convey the same theme through their attire.
  • All kinds of attire are permitted, provided the costume maintains due decency including originals & fashion designs.
  • Purchased, professionally made, or rented costumes are permitted.
  • Participants are expected to carry any side track or props, if required.
  • VULGARITY is Strictly Prohibited.

Judging Criteria

  • 01Appropriate usage of style statements and accessories.
  • 02Walking Stance
  • 03Confidence & Body language
  • 04Tag line/theme portrayal
  • 05Judges’ decision is final and binding to all.

Fantasy & Fandoms

Guidelines

  • Performances cannot exceed 45 seconds.
  • For group cosplay performances, 3 or more people per group can participate.
  • Music will be selected by the Modern DJ for the walk-on.
  • Contestants must arrive in costumes and are responsible for their own belongings.
  • You can cosplay anime, manga, comic, and video game characters. Costumes cannot be obscene, offensive, nor endorse any form of hate or hate group.
  • No profanity allowed on stage. That includes messages on signs or clothes.
  • Everything brought onto the stage during a walk-on must be removed at the end of the time limit. Messy substances including confetti, glitter, flower petals, and water are not allowed.
  • Pyrotechnics or special effects such as fireworks, flash paper, or smoke machines will not be allowed.
  • Contestants may not throw anything off the stage or into the crowd.
  • All weapons will be subject to inspection before entry and at any point during the event.

Vocal Odyssey

Guidelines

  • It is a solo event, the participant can accompany a musician.
  • The participant can also make use of karaoke for the performance. The audio, however, should be submitted 10 mins before the competition starts.
  • The performance should not exceed more than 3 minutes. Exceeding this time limit will result in losing points.
  • The use of external pitch correction applications is strictly forbidden.
  • The judges’ decision is final and binding to all.

Duet Dynamix

Guidelines

  • It is a duet competition. The participants can be accompanied by a karaoke or a musician.
  • If any audio is to be used, the file should be submitted 10 minutes before the competition starts.
  • The performance should not exceed more than 6 minutes.
  • Judging will be done based on pitch, tempo, tone, voice clarity, and presentation.

Sing It Right

Guidelines

  • Method of action: Participants will have to draw a chit from a lot. The chit will contain two situations as to how the competition should go.
  • Situation 1: Sing the song correctly when it is abruptly stopped
  • Situation 2: Sing the song with correct lyrics even with misleading lyrics displayed
  • Songs will not be revealed until the time of the competition.
  • Judges’ decision is final and binding to all.

Judging Criteria

  • 01Participants will be judged based on their confidence, correct singing, and presentation.

Light Music

Guidelines

  • Individual participation only.
  • Each participant is allowed one entry.
  • Songs can be from film, indie, pop, semi-classical, or fusion Genres.
  • Classical-only compositions are not allowed in this category.
  • Any language is permitted.
  • Lyrics must be appropriate and free from offensive content.
  • Time duration: Minimum duration: 2 minutes , Maximum Duration: 4 minutes
  • Karaoke/backing tracks are allowed.
  • Backing track must not contain lead vocals.
  • Participants must bring tracks in MP3 format (pen Drive/mobile).

Judging Criteria

  • 01Voice Quality & Pitch Accuracy
  • 02Rhythm & Timing
  • 03Expression & Feel
  • 04Song Selection
  • 05Overall Stage Presence

Mashup Mania

Guidelines

  • Time Duration: 6 mins
  • Participants have to sing a mix of different songs as a mashup.
  • No language restrictions.
  • The judges’ decision is final and binding to all.

Judging Criteria

  • 01Judging will be done based on creativity, choice of songs, coherence of songs, pitch, clarity, and tempo.

Karaoke

Guidelines

  • Method of action: A list of songs (from the same genre) will be given to the participants the day before the competition. On the day of the competition, the song will be allotted to the participants on the system of chits. The participants will have to sing the song using karaoke.
  • It is a solo event

Judging Criteria

  • 01Judging will be done based on how similar the song is to the original, pitch, tone, and tempo.
  • 02The voice clarity, performance as a whole, and presentation will also be judged.

Treasure Hunt

Guidelines

  • Time Duration: 10 min
  • Students are required to participate as a group of 3-5 members.
  • Clues for the treasure hunt, will be provided to the team at the time of the event.
  • Teams are not allowed to discuss the clues with other teams.
  • Participants are required to fetch clues for treasure hunt, which are hidden in various points of college and hence connect the dots.
  • Judges’ decision is final and binding to all.

Judging Criteria

  • 01Spontaneity
  • 02Abidance by the time
  • 03Deciphering power

Potluck Party

Guidelines

  • Participants will be provided with spicy food.
  • All food must be swallowed completely— no spitting or throwing up!
  • Drinking water, milk, or any relief item before finishing would disqualify the participant.
  • The challenge should be completed within the allocated time

Judging Criteria

  • 01The one who finishes their first will be considered as the winner.
  • 02The participants should adhere to the mentioned rules

Culinary Combat

Guidelines

  • Chefs must create a dish that fits the assigned theme or cuisine.
  • Dishes must be plated and presented before time runs out.
  • Each chef must bring their own knives and personal cooking tools
  • Only one participant per entry.

Judging Criteria

  • 01Taste & Flavor – How well-seasoned and delicious the dish is.
  • 02Presentation & Creativity – How visually appealing and innovative the dish looks.
  • 03Time Management – Completing the dish within the given time.
  • 04Technique & Cooking Skills – Use of proper techniques and execution.

Sip and Win

Guidelines

  • Drink the provided drink. Only one participant per entry.
  • No spilling or any kind of disruptive behaviour.
  • The drink can be tangy, spicy or bitter.
  • Participants should complete the drink without spitting it out in order to win the challenge.

Judging Criteria

  • 01Participant who finishes their drink first will be considered as the winner.

Balloon Buster Showdown

Guidelines

  • Each participant will have a balloon tied to their ankle.
  • The objective is to burst other participants’ balloons while protecting your own.
  • Participants are not allowed to use their hands; only feet can be used to burst balloons.
  • Players must stay within the designated playing area during the game.
  • Pushing, pulling, or rough play is strictly not allowed.
  • The last participant with an unburst balloon will be declared the winner.

Stop & Groove

Guidelines

  • Dance when the music plays—show off your best moves!
  • FREEZE immediately when the music stops—any movement = OUT!
  • No holding onto objects, walls, or people for balance.
  • The judge’s decision is final—if they see movement, you’re out!

Judging Criteria

  • 01When the music stops, you must freeze instantly—any movement will lead to elimination!

Beast Mode Bites

Guidelines

  • Devour the given food WITHOUT using your hands!
  • No standing or lifting the plate off the table.
  • Food must be fully swallowed before finishing.

Judging Criteria

  • 01Spitting out food or vomiting = disqualification.
  • 02Judges’ decision is final any cheating leads to disqualification

The Lost Legacy Hunt

Guidelines

  • Participants will be provided with the map to navigate.
  • Open to individuals or teams of [2-5 members].
  • A team leader must be assigned for communication.
  • Each team will receive the first clue at the starting point.
  • Clues must be solved in order to unlock the next location.
  • No using GPS or external help—only brainpower & teamwork!
  • Clues may involve puzzles, riddles, physical challenges, or hidden objects.
  • Teams must check in at each checkpoint before moving forward.

Judging Criteria

  • 01The first team to solve all clues & find the treasure wins!

Hydro Rush

Guidelines

  • Carry a full cup of water from the starting line to the finish line without spilling too much!
  • The one with the most water left at the end wins!
  • The race track will have obstacles or challenges.
  • No running—fast walking or light jogging is allowed.
  • No covering the cup with hands or lids!

Judging Criteria

  • 01Crossing outside the marked track will lead to disqualification
  • 02Dropping the cup will lead to disqualification
  • 03Winners are determined by speed + amount of water left!

Ad Zap

Guidelines

  • Ensure that your ads don’t deceive or mislead the audience.
  • Ads must be inclusive and respect diversity.
  • Individual participation

Judging Criteria

  • 01Clarity of Message
  • 02Creativity and Innovation
  • 03Relevance and Timeliness
  • 04Call to Action Effectiveness

Junk Art

Guidelines

  • Keep the workspace clean and organized.
  • Avoid using sharp or dangerous objects like broken glass.
  • Complete your artwork within the specified time frame.

Judging Criteria

  • 01Aesthetic Appeal
  • 02Concept and Message
  • 03Creativity and Innovation
  • 04Use of Recycled Materials

Beat Box

Guidelines

  • No Pre-Recorded Sounds: Only live vocal sounds are allowed.
  • No Microphone Manipulation: Holding the microphone in a way that creates artificial bass effects (e.g., “mic bass” from cupping) may be restricted.
  • No pre-recorded samples can be used.
  • Time limit 3-4minutes

Judging Criteria

  • 01Rhythm and Timing
  • 02Creativity
  • 03Energy and Engagement
  • 04Stage Presence and Confidence

Glam Rush

Guidelines

  • This is an individual event.
  • Participants must complete their makeup within the given time limit.
  • The theme for the makeup must be chosen beforehand.
  • Participants must bring their own makeup products, brushes, and tools.
  • Participants are required to bring a model along with them, or self application is also encouraged.
  • The makeup look should be creative and unique.
  • VULGARITY is Strictly Prohibited.

The Nail Palette

Guidelines

  • This is an individual event.
  • Participants must bring their own nail art tools, brushes, and accessories.
  • The theme for the nail art must be pre-decided and conveyed to the judges before the competition begins.
  • All types of nail art techniques are permitted, including acrylic, gel, and freehand designs.
  • Pre-designed or printed stickers are not allowed; only hand-done art is acceptable.
  • Time limit for completion will be specified before the event begins.
  • VULGARITY is Strictly Prohibited.

Judging Criteria

  • 01Creativity and originality in design
  • 02Neatness and precision
  • 03Relevance to the chosen theme
  • 04Use of colors and embellishments
  • 05Judges’ decision is final and binding to all.

Connections

Guidelines

  • Teams can have two to three members. Bring your best minds!
  • Participants must connect the given pictures to find the correct answer.
  • The quiz will cover Movies, songs, media trends, logos, taglines, industry facts, and about Hindustan University
  • No phones, Google searches, or outside help—let’s keep it fair.
  • The wildcard round will give eliminated participants a chance to re-enter before the final round.
  • In case of a tie, a rapid-fire round will decide the winner.
  • Judges’ decisions are final, no arguments!

VJ Hunt

Guidelines

  • Preliminary rounds will be based on given topic on spot.
  • This is a solo event, and team participation is not allowed
  • Participants must host and present content in a fun, engaging way.
  • Energy, confidence, and audience connection matter the most.
  • No offensive jokes or language—keep it classy.
  • You can use small props, but no external assistance on stage.
  • The judge's decision is final, and no disputes will be entertained.

IPL Mock Auction

Guidelines

  • Each team must consist of minimum 3 and maximum 5 members.
  • Participants will be given a fixed virtual budget to build their IPL team.
  • Players from different categories (Batsmen, Bowlers, All-rounders, Wicketkeepers) will be auctioned.
  • Teams must strategically bid for players to form a balanced squad.
  • Any form of collusion or unfair bidding practices will lead to disqualification.
  • The decision of the auctioneer and judges is final.

Judging Criteria

  • 01Squad Balance
  • 02Strategic Bidding
  • 03Value for Money
  • 04Overall Team Strength

Physique Domination

Guidelines

  • The event is open to all registered participants of the fest.
  • Participants must report to the venue at least 30 minutes before the event for verification and briefing.
  • Each participant will be given 1–2 minutes on stage to showcase their physique through standard poses or a short freestyle routine.
  • Participants must wear appropriate fitness or bodybuilding attire suitable for stage presentation.
  • Use of oil or tanning products is allowed only if it does not create a mess on stage.
  • Participants must follow the instructions of the event coordinators and judges at all times.
  • Any misconduct or inappropriate behavior will lead to immediate disqualification.
  • The judges' decision will be final and binding.
  • The organizers reserve the right to modify the rules if necessary for the smooth conduct of the event.

Judging Criteria

  • 01Physique Symmetry
  • 02Muscle Definition
  • 03Confidence
  • 04Stage Presence
  • 05Overall Presentation

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