VCTF — VSNA Children's Talent Festival

About VSNA & VCTF

Preserving Veerashaiva-Lingayat heritage through youth talent, community service, and cultural education across North America.

Veerashaiva Samaja of North America

501(c)(3) Non-Profit · Founded 1978

VSNA (Veerashaiva Samaja of North America) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1978. With 32+ chapters, 400+ life members, and 5,000+ families across USA and Canada, VSNA is dedicated to the preservation, protection, and propagation of the way of life depicted by Basaveshwara.

VSNA is the only matha or group in North America, with 32+ shakha mathas (chapters), where members have joined together for nearly five decades to perform Ishtalinga Pooja and celebrate our way of life. Our strength lies in our unity — as a small community in our adopted land, it is vital that our children and future generations preserve their identity and heritage.

By becoming a life member, you perpetuate the work of VSNA's founders and leaders. Your membership goes a long way — supporting long-term programs, Jnana Dasoha, Vachana Shaale for our children, International Competitions through VCTF, financial assistance via International Dasoha Day, and building a strong network across North America for the benefit of all our families.

“If we do not support our own extended family, our own community, our own organization — who else will?”

32+

Chapters across USA & Canada

5,000+

Families

400+

Life Members

VIRC

Veerashaiva-Lingayat International Center

VIRC · Established 1999 · Service Arm of VSNA

The VIRC (Veerashaiva-Lingayat International Center) is an integral part of VSNA, established in 1999. As the service arm of VSNA, VIRC is responsible for conducting long-term programs — faith-based, children's educational, and community service-oriented — to guide, cherish, and inculcate the true meaning and significance of Vachanas along with the practice of our faith.

VIRC Mission

  • Serve all members and specifically children to enhance their understanding of Vachanas along with Veerashaiva-Lingayat beliefs.
  • Conduct long-term programs and activities to guide, cherish, realize and inculcate the true meaning and significance of Vachanas.
  • Create spiritual awareness, fellowship and kinship among all Veerashaiva-Lingayats by networking with international organizations.
  • Preserve, protect and propagate the Basavadi-Sharanas messages along with the Veerashaiva-Lingayat heritage and legacy at international level.
  • Build and maintain an online Library and Resources related to the Veerashaiva-Lingayat way of life and Basavadi-Sharanas teachings.

VIRC Long-Term Programs & Activities

VCTF
This Portal

VSNA Children Talent Festival

Annual youth talent competition across 9 categories celebrating Veerashaiva-Lingayat heritage.

V3

VSNA Vichara Vedike

International platform to openly discuss all aspects of Veerashaiva-Lingayat faith with knowledgeable scholars and invited erudite intellectuals from around the world.

IBJ

International Basava Jayanti

Celebrates Guru Basava as a Social Reformer and Writer, with support from 50+ organizations across North America, Europe, Middle East, Australasia & India.

ID2

International Dasoha Day

All VSNA chapters celebrate community service during the first fortnight of every August. 'Serve NA by VSNA' offers financial assistance to Dasoha projects submitted by chapter children.

VSM

VSNA Sammilana (Matrimony)

Matrimony program connecting 450+ parents with 100+ registered suitors, conducting virtual and onsite sessions periodically.

VCTF

VSNA Children's Talent Festival

VCTF by VIRC · Ages 5–18+

The VSNA Children Talent Festival (VCTF) is an annual celebration organized by VIRC that brings together youth from across North America to showcase their talents in traditional and contemporary art forms rooted in Veerashaiva Lingayat culture. The festival spans 9 competition categories and welcomes children aged 5 through 18+.

Competition Categories

Vachana

VAVideo

Devotional poetry recitation celebrating Veerashaiva-Lingayat spiritual literature. Children recite Vachanas with proper pronunciation, emotion, and rhythm. Duration: 3–5 minutes.

Speech

SPVideo

Inspirational speech on topics rooted in Veerashaiva-Lingayat values and heritage. Judged on content, delivery, language, and impact. Duration: 3–5 minutes.

Instrumental Music

IMVideo

Musical performance showcasing instrumental talent. Evaluated on technical skill, musicality, rhythm, and overall presentation. Duration: 3–5 minutes.

Dance

DAVideo

Solo dance performance demonstrating technique, expression (abhinaya), rhythm coordination, and presentation. Duration: 3–5 minutes.

Group Dance

GDVideo

Group choreography showcasing teamwork, synchronization, creative choreography, and collective energy. Duration: 3–5 minutes.

Drama

DRVideo

Dramatic performance showcasing acting, dialogue delivery, storyline, and staging. Supports solo or group participation. Duration: 3–10 minutes.

Essay Writing

EWPDF

Cultural essay exploring themes of Veerashaiva-Lingayat heritage, values, and contemporary relevance. Submission: 1–3 pages PDF.

Poem Writing

PMPDF

Original poem reflecting creative voice, thematic depth, and literary craftsmanship rooted in cultural awareness. Submission: 1 page PDF.

Drawing & Painting

DPImage

Visual art showcasing creativity, technique, composition, and artistic expression. Submission: Up to 3 artworks (JPEG/PNG).

Watch Past Festivals

View recordings from past VCTF competitions, VSNA events, and cultural programs on the official VSNA YouTube channel.

Contact VCTF Committee

For questions about registrations, submissions, or the festival, reach out to us.

Email the VCTF team