Kollam: Kerala School Kalolsavam, Asia's largest school-level arts festival, got off to a colourful start after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the event by lighting a lamp.
The 62nd school youth festival commenced in Kollam's ashram maidan on Thursday morning around 10 am. Actor Asha Sharath and her dance troupe performed at the event.
Around 14,000 young talents will participate in the event which ends on January 8. Mohiniyatam competition of the HS category girls on the main venue will kick start the events.
Special transport arrangements have been made in the city of Kollam for the festival. Only one-way traffic will be allowed on the road from Shankers Junction to Chinnakada, heavy vehicles including KSRTC will not be permitted here.
Only autorickshaws with town permits can conduct service through Kollam, and also they are instructed to charge only according to the metre rate.
Special parking services are also arranged near the 24 stages.