These Terms and Conditions apply to all Delhi Shabdotsav attendees — including general visitors, invited guests, speakers, panelists, volunteers and VIPs. Entry to the festival constitutes acceptance of these terms. All tickets and passes are personal and non-transferable. Admission to the festival is a revocable licence: the organisers may revoke or suspend your access for any breach of these rules.

Code of conduct

Attendees must behave respectfully and responsibly at all times. Unacceptable behaviour includes harassment, intimidation or abuse of any kind (physical, verbal or otherwise) toward any person, including staff, volunteers, speakers, fellow attendees and venue personnel. Discriminatory or derogatory speech (for example based on race, gender, religion or other protected attributes) is strictly prohibited. Disorderly or dangerous conduct — such as fighting, threats, stalking or sustained disruption of sessions — will not be tolerated. Attendees under the influence of illegal drugs, or whose intoxication (from alcohol or other substances) impairs their behaviour, will be denied entry or removed. Vandalism, theft or any damage to festival or venue property is forbidden and may be prosecuted. Please follow instructions from festival and venue staff at all times; anyone asked to stop a prohibited behaviour or to comply with staff directions is expected to do so immediately.

Safety and security

Security screening. For the safety of all attendees, security personnel may screen people and belongings on entry (bag checks, metal detectors). All persons and property are subject to search; you must cooperate with these checks.
Prohibited items. Weapons of any kind, fireworks or explosives, illegal drugs, outside alcohol or intoxicants, and other hazardous or offensive items (for example glass bottles, grills or large flags) are not allowed at any festival venue. Prohibited items found will be confiscated without compensation. Attendees bringing illegal drugs or underage alcohol will be removed and may face legal action. Firearms and knives are explicitly forbidden, even as part of a costume.
Personal safety. Keep pathways and exits clear. Do not climb on structures or obstruct emergency routes. Personal belongings left unattended are at your own risk; the organisers are not responsible for loss or damage.

Data privacy

By registering or obtaining a pass you consent to the collection of certain personal information (such as your name, email address and phone number) for festival purposes. This data is used to complete your registration, send event updates (schedule changes, reminders and emergency notices) and provide festival materials. With your consent, we may also use your contact information for related communications about Shabdotsav or future editions. In limited cases, delegate contact details may be shared with approved event partners or sponsors so they can communicate about event-relevant opportunities. All personal data is processed in accordance with applicable privacy laws; we collect only what is necessary and retain it only as long as needed. You have the right to access, correct or request deletion of your personal information — see our Privacy Policy. We will not sell your personal data to third parties outside the scope of the festival.

Photography and media

Shabdotsav events are professionally recorded. By attending, you acknowledge that you may be photographed, filmed or recorded by the organisers or their agents, and you consent to the use of your image or likeness in event media. Photographs, videos and recordings may be used in promotional materials, websites and publications produced by the organisers, who own the rights to these recordings and may reproduce them for marketing or archival purposes. Attendees are welcome to take personal photos or videos for private, non-commercial use; media intended for public or commercial distribution requires prior permission. If you do not wish to be photographed, please notify staff on entry; the organisers will make reasonable efforts to honour such requests, though complete exclusion cannot be guaranteed.

Venue guidelines

Shabdotsav takes place across multiple stages and spaces. Follow all posted signs and schedules. Please respect the facilities: do not damage walls, seating or equipment, and use the bins provided. Smoking where prohibited, and littering, are forbidden. Restricted areas (backstage, technical rooms and the like) are open only with proper credentials. Festival staff and volunteers are there to help you; please treat them, venue employees and other guests with courtesy.

Enforcement and liability

By attending Shabdotsav you assume all risks associated with participation. Neither the organisers, sponsors nor venue owners shall be liable for any injury, loss or damage to you or your property. Personal belongings are your responsibility. Organisers and security staff reserve the right to refuse admission or to eject without refund any person who violates these Terms or behaves in a way that may endanger others; if an attendee asked to leave does not comply, law enforcement may be called. In such cases no compensation or refund will be provided.

Compliance

These Terms & Conditions, together with any pass or ticketing agreement and our Privacy Policy, form the complete rules for attendee behaviour at Shabdotsav. We reserve the right to update these terms as needed; notices will be posted in advance. Thank you for your cooperation — enjoy Shabdotsav responsibly and safely.