KALĀ SĒTU
A Gurukul-style summer residency in India for students of Indian classical arts from America
A bridge (sētu) connecting the artists and art learners across the globe to the roots of Indian Fine Arts (kalā), Kala Setu (pronounced: kalāsētu) is a summer residency program by Sangeeta Bharati America, in collaboration with Sanskar Bharti and Youth For Seva. This program offers selected Indian classical music and dance students in the U.S. and elsewhere intensive, month-long training in India in a Gurukul-style under the direct guidance of eminent acharyas.
Rooted in the time-honored Guru–Shishya Parampara, this residency is designed to provide deep artistic immersion, cultural exposure, and disciplined practice that cannot be replicated outside of Bharat (India).
In Association With
Program Overview
The Summer Residency Program enables committed students to:
- Live and train in India for one whole month.
- Learn directly from renowned acharyas and senior artists.
- Experience the traditional Gurukula environment.
- Deepen their understanding of rāga, tāla, abhinaya, bhāva, and repertoire.
- Absorb the cultural, linguistic, and spiritual context of Indian classical arts.
This program is open to students of Performing Arts and Visual Arts, including but not limited to the following, based on availability.
Indian Classical Music and Dance
- Karnataka Shastreeya Sangeeta
- Hindusthani Shastreeya Sangeeta
- Bharatanatya
- Koochipoodi
- Kathak
- Mrudanga
- Tabala
Visual Arts
- Shilpa (Traditional Indian Sculpture)
Official Program Launch
Sangeeta Bharati America and Samskara Bharati officials at a formal baithak in Bengaluru to launch the Kala Setu program on January 20, 2026.
- (Left) Shri Vinayak Astekar, President, Sangeeta Bharati America.
- (Second Left) Shri Arun Kumar Sharma, Akhila Bharateeya Prashikshan and Vimarsh Sanyojak, Samskar Bharati.
- (Second Right) Mananiya Ramachandra Ji, Pracharak, Samskar Bharati.
- (Right) Hemanth J Rao, Prantha Pradhana Karyadarshi, Samskara Bharati, Karnataka South
Objectives of the Residency
- To preserve and propagate authentic Indian classical traditions
- To nurture the next generation of serious practitioners
- To bridge the gap between diaspora learning and traditional training in India
- To offer students transformational exposure beyond classroom instruction
Structure of the Residency
- Duration: 4 weeks (Summer)
- Location: India (specific cities and Acharyas announced per cohort)
- Training Format:
- Daily intensive practice sessions
- One-on-one and small-group instruction
- Repertoire building and refinement
- Observation of senior disciples and performances
- Cultural Exposure:
- Temple visits, concerts, and dance recitals
- Interaction with scholars and senior artistes
- Exposure to regional languages, customs, and traditions
- Volunteering Opportunities:
- Daily volunteering organized by Youth For Seva
- International volunteering certificate and recognition
- Volunteering Opportunity for Parents
One parent may volunteer for the duration of the residency, or multiple parents may participate, taking turns.
Eligibility Criteria
- Students must be formally trained in any Indian classical music or dance form (at least at the junior level, as set in the Sangeeta Bharati or similar syllabus).
- Demonstrated commitment and discipline in their art form.
- Should have all the required travel documents.
- The student should be willing to do volunteer activities conducted by the Youth for Seva.
- Selection based on application review and artistic merit.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be at least 14 years of age on the first day of the program and should be capable of participating in an international residential program away from home.
In exceptional cases, applicants under the age of 14 who demonstrate outstanding artistic merit, maturity, and readiness for the residential program may be considered at the discretion of the Kala Setu Selection Committee.
There is no upper age limit for participation.
To provide the most enriching learning experience, participants may be grouped into batches based on age, artistic proficiency, and other program considerations, at the organizers’ discretion.
Selection Process
- Online Application Submission
- Supporting Materials for the Gurus to review
- Certifications, if any
- Performance video/audio samples
- Application review by the committee comprising the respective Sangeeta Bharati chapter lead and Samskar Bharati
- Online video interview of the candidate and parents with the Gurus
- Final Selection & Confirmation
- Signing of waiver/agreement form
- Payment of the remaining program fee
- Students to receive a program handbook for that year
Selection is competitive and limited to ensure quality mentorship. Students/parents should plan their travel only after completing all the above steps.
Certification & Recognition
- Participants will receive a program completion certificate
- Residency experience may be considered toward advanced training and academic pathways, where applicable
- Exceptional students may be recommended for continued mentorship in India
Why Choose Sangeeta Bharati?
- Years of dedication to Indian classical arts education
- Strong relationships with eminent acharyas and institutions in India
- Focus on authenticity, discipline, and cultural integrity
- Commitment to nurturing students beyond examinations and performances
Program Schedule
To enable participation by students from the greatest number of school districts in the United States, Kala Setu, the four-week international residential program, will be held annually beginning on the third Monday of June. The residency will conclude after four weeks of intensive learning, followed by the Graduation Ceremony. Establishing a consistent schedule will help families plan well in advance for registration, international travel, vacations, and other summer commitments.
Proposed Timeline for Kala Setu 2027
- Registration: From Ganesh Chaturthi (Monday, Sep 14, 2026) to Vijayadashami (Tuesday, Oct 20, 2026)
- Late Registration (with a late fee of $100): Until December 31, 2026
- Check-in at assigned location in Bharat (India): Sunday, July 4, 2027
- Learning and Seva: Monday, July 5 – Friday, July 30, 2027
- Graduation Ceremony: Saturday, July 31, 2027
Apply for Summer Residency Program
Interested students are encouraged to apply early
General Information
- Read this page thoroughly and enter the information accurately
- The program fee is USD 1750 towards expenses in India for 4 weeks. This includes boarding, lodging, coaching, and local travel. This is due shortly after the interview with the Acharyas and the candidate’s confirmation.
- The registration fee is nonrefundable, USD 250, which will be considered towards the final fee of USD 1750. If a student is not selected, the registration fee will be returned.
- The candidate should be willing to stay in a residential setting in India for four weeks (including Dorm settings)
- The students should bear flight expenses and health insurance
- All registrants will get a registration confirmation email
This Sangeeta Bharati summer residency registration form is disabled now. This will be enabled on Ganesh Chaturthi day for next year's batches.
For any questions, please write to Sangeeta Bharati at: