Category 1: Vedic Mantra & Sasvara Chanting (Sasvara Pāṭha)

This category includes:

• Ṛgveda Mantras
• Yajurveda Mantras
• Sāmaveda Chanting
• Atharvaveda Mantras
• Vedic Śānti Mantras
• Traditional Vedic chanting styles

Evaluation Focus:

1. Vedic svara accuracy
2. Udātta, Anudātta and Svarita precision
3. Traditional recitational discipline

Bhagavad Gītā, Stotras, Kāvyas, Purāṇic verses, and devotional compositions are not permitted in this category.

Category 2: Classical Sanskrit Śloka Recitation

This category includes recitation from:

1. Bhagavad Gītā
2. Rāmāyaṇa
3. Mahābhārata
4. Purāṇas
5. Subhāṣitas
6. Sanskrit Kāvyas
7. Classical Sanskrit literature

Evaluation Focus:

1. Pronunciation
2. Chandas precision
3. Memorization
4. Recitational fluency and rhythm

Category 3: Sanskrit Stotra & Devotional Recitation

This category includes:

• Viṣṇu Sahasranāma
• Śivamahimna Stotra
• Bhaja Govindam
• Saundarya Lahari
• Traditional Sanskrit Stotras and devotional compositions

Evaluation Focus:

1. Bhāva (devotional expression)
2. Clarity
3. Rhythm
4. Presentation

Category 4: Interpretative / Expressive Sanskrit Recitation

This category includes recitation from:

1. Dramatic Sanskrit recitation
2. Expressive rendering
3. Thematic Sanskrit narration
4. Emotionally interpretative recitation

Evaluation Focus:

1. Expression
2. Communication
3. Stage presence
4. Audience engagement