Rules and Regulations

Bharathiraja Scholarship: For Malayali students who studied in Tamil Nadu in the 10th and 12th classes in the last academic year (2025-26) and secured the highest marks in the annual examination, the application of the students who are to be considered for the scholarship instituted in the memory of the eminent social worker Bharathiraja and a copy of the certificate should be filled in the above online form before August 7, 2026. (A scanned photo of the original paper certificate should be uploaded. Screenshot/digital copy will not be accepted.)

M.A. Abraham Memorial Scholarship: For Malayali students who studied in Tamil Nadu in the 10th and 12th classes in the last academic year (2025-26) and secured the highest marks in Malayalam language, the M. A. Abraham Memorial Scholarship is offered in the memory of the eminent industrialist, social worker and a prominent leader of CTMA. Students who wish to be considered for the scholarship established in memory of Abraham should apply by filling out the online form above and submitting a copy of the certificate before August 7, 2026. (A scanned photo of the original paper certificate should be uploaded. Screenshot/digital copy will not be accepted.)

Pookkalam Competition

1. Teams representing CTMA member organizations should participate in the flower competition.
2. A team should not have more than 5 members. Only one team from an organization will be considered.
3. The last date for registration is August 20, 2026.
4. The organizers will have the right to select the teams for the competition from those registered.
5. For preparing the flower garden, a team will be allotted a space of 2X2 meters (4 SQ. METER). The diameter of the flower garden should not exceed exactly 6 feet (6 feet).
6. Only natural flowers and leaves may be used for the competition. Sand, salt, artificial color powders, etc. may not be used.
7. Chalk, marker pens, sketch pens, and pencils may be used to draw the outline of the flower arrangement. Do not use pre-prepared stickers or templates to draw the flower arrangement.
8. Do not use torches, colored pencils, or markers to decorate the flower arrangement.
9. Discipline and silence must be maintained during the competition.
10. A separate area will be allocated for preparing the flowers and other things.
11. After preparing the flower arrangement, 5 minutes will be allowed for each team to clean the area.
12. Afterwards, all teams must vacate the competition venue for the judges’ evaluations.
13. The number card provided by the organizers must be displayed next to the flower arrangement.
14. During the judging, there should be no signs near the flower arrangement that reveal the name of the organization or individuals.
15. Approximately 2 hours will be required for the evaluations. The results of the competition will be announced and prizes will be distributed on the same day. Prizes will be given to the winners of the first, second and third positions.
16. The CTMA Aavani Poovarang 2026 Organizing Committee will have the authority to change the above rules or take the final decision on any other matter of the competition.
17. Date, time and venue of the flower competition: Saturday, September 12 from 8 am. At the Madras Kerala Samajam on Poonamalli Road.
18. Maximum competition time: 3 hours

Procession (Kettukazhcha)

Kettukazhcha is a festival that presents art forms and costumes that evoke the cultural heritage of Kerala in the form of floats. All member organizations in Chennai should participate in the Ketukazhcha if possible. Only one team will be considered from an organization. There will be musical accompaniment to the Ketukazhcha. The organizing committee should be informed about the characteristics and history of the floats they intend to present at the Kettu Kazhcha.

Prizes will be awarded to the three member organizations presenting the most attractive floats. The last date for registration is August 25, 2026.

Tug of War

1. All participants must be members of an association affiliated with CTMA.
2. Each affiliated association may register only one team for the competition.
3. Each association may additionally submit the details of one reserve participant.
4. The Tug-of-War competition will be conducted at the Aavanippoovarangu venue on 12 September 2026 at 3:30 PM.
5. Each team may comprise a maximum of 7 players, 2 substitutes, and 1 coach or manager.
6. The maximum combined team weight shall be: Men’s category: 550 kg; Women’s category: 460 kg.
7. The rope must be pulled at waist level, and all participants must remain standing throughout the contest.
8. Only one authorised team representative may accompany the team inside the competition area during a match.
9. A team will be disqualified if any person other than its registered team members makes contact with the rope.
10. All teams must report at the venue by 2:30 PM sharp on 12 September 2026 for the fixture draw.
11. Team managers are responsible for ensuring that every participant is physically fit and free from any medical condition that may prevent safe participation, as Tug-of-War is a physically demanding sport.
12. Participants may wear regular/sports shoes and use back, elbow, or knee supports and supportive belts. Wearing a team jersey is optional. (Cleats, studded boots, and spiked footwear are strictly not allowed).
13. A qualified referee will be appointed to supervise the competition and enforce the rules fairly and impartially.
14. All teams must comply with the referee’s instructions and maintain proper discipline and decorum throughout the competition.
15. The decision of the referee or judges regarding the result and the winning team shall be final and binding.
16. The referees and organisers reserve the right to amend, modify, or introduce rules whenever necessary to ensure fairness, participant safety, good sportsmanship, and the smooth conduct of the competition.
17. The last date for registration is 20 August 2026.