Atlanta Tamil Mandram (ATM) Cultural Events Guidelines

1. Group Performances: Only groups with a minimum of 10 participants will be allowed to perform on stage. The order of performances will be prioritized based on the participants’ ages to ensure a balanced representation of all age groups.
2. No Solo or Small Groups: Solo registrations are not allowed, and group registrations must have at least 10 participants for Cultural Events.
3. Performance Duration (Max):
   
   1. 4.5 minutes for Dance, Music, Classical, Folk, etc.
   2. 8 minutes for Drama, Karaoke, Parai, Variety Programs, Special Dances, etc.
4. One Performance per Participant: Each participant may perform only once on stage, ensuring fair opportunities for all. Last-minute cancellations are to be avoided.
5. Registration Process: * Registrations will be processed in the order they are received and will close on January 11, 2026 or once the maximum number of entries is reached. Any registrations received after the deadline or once the limit is reached will be placed on a waiting list.
6. Song Selection: Participants must provide their song choices at the time of registration. Full songs cannot be repeated. A medley of up to 5 songs only allowed for the first two entries, but the ATM must approve all songs. Song requests cannot be changed after registration unless the ATM requests a change due to repeated songs.
7. Pongal Highlighted Events :
   
   1. In honor of the Thai Thirunal festival, utilize props that highlight our rich culture and traditions. For example, traditional dance forms such as Karagattam, Oyilattam, Kavadi, and Parai are encouraged.
   2. We encourage participants to craft a drama or skit that reflects the authentic spirit of the Thai Thirunal festival.

   Please Note: Performances in this category will receive priority in time slot allocation and may also enjoy some special surprises from ATM.

8. Choreographer Requirements:
   
   1. Submit a group photo in costumes.
   2. Provide a 1-minute promo video. “Don’t let submission delays steal your views!”.
   3. Send these materials to cultural@atlantatamilmandram.org by January 09, 2026.
   4. Audio Files:
      1. 1. Audio File Requirements: Audio files must be submitted in MP3 format. The choreographer is responsible for audio quality.
         2. Audio/Transcript Submission: All audio files, scripts, or dialogues must be emailed to cultural@atlantatamilmandram.org by January 11, 2026.
   5. LED Wall – Video and Audio Files:
      If you agree to submit both video and audio files, please follow these requirements:
      1. 1. LED Wall – Combined Audio and Video File Requirements: Video files must be submitted in MP4 format with a minimum resolution of 2K or higher. The choreographer is responsible for the video quality.
         2. LED Wall – Combined Audio and Video File Submission: All combined audio and video files must be emailed to cultural@atlantatamilmandram.org by January 11, 2026.
9. Participant Details: Choreographers must provide the full names of participants (in both English and Tamil), and their registered email IDs, and send them to cultural@atlantatamilmandram.org by January 09, 2026.
10. Participation Fees:
    
    1. No fee for ATM members and their families.
    2. Non-members can join by becoming an ATM member or paying a $25 non-member fee  per person.
    3. Membership Registration: https://atlantatamilmandram.org/member/
    4. Non-member donation: https://atlantatamilmandram.org/payment/
11. Membership Payment Deadline: The last date to pay membership fees is January 09, 2026.
12. Appropriateness of Content: All performance content (language, lyrics, attire) must be suitable for all age groups, in line with Tamil tradition, and should not be offensive or harmful to any group, community, or ethnicity.
13. Program Review: The cultural committee will review each program to ensure it meets quality standards and will provide feedback by January 24, 2026.
14. Program Coordinator Responsibility: All program coordinators should report to the venue 30 minutes before the event. The performance order will be disclosed only on the event day to encourage and support all participants.
15. Timely Reporting: If participants do not report on time or if there are insufficient participants, the program will be automatically canceled.

Please note: The Atlanta Tamil Mandram (ATM) Cultural Committee reserves the right to accept or deny any programs for valid reasons. All decisions are final.

For further inquiries, please contact:

Email: cultural@atlantatamilmandram.org