Thiruvananthapuram: The state capital is set to witness a vibrant celebration of arts, culture, and youth for five days as the 63rd Kerala School Kalolsavam is all set to be held from January 4 to 8.

The venue and schedule for the State School Arts Festival have been announced. This time, each of the venues has been named after a river in Kerala. The main venue at the Central Stadium will be called Bharathapuzha, while the Putharikandam grounds, hosting the mess and a photo exhibition stall, will be named after the Neyyar, a river flowing through the capital district. A total of 25 venues have been set up for the competitions.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the festival at 10 am on January 4 at the Central Stadium. Competitions across all venues are scheduled to begin at 11 am.

10,000 talents, 249 competitions, 25 venues
The festival will feature 249 competitive items over five days (High School: 101 items, Higher Secondary: 110 items, Sanskrit and Arabic Festivals: 19 items each)

A key highlight this year is the inclusion of five tribal art forms, namely Mangalam Kali, Irula Nritham, Paniya Nritham, Malapulaya Attam and Paliya Nritham.

A total of 10,000 students will participate, showcasing their talents in various events. Accommodation for the participants has been arranged in 30 schools across the city, with separate facilities for boys and girls.

“The competition schedule has been prepared considering the total number of items. To manage potential changes in timings due to appeals bringing in more participants, strict adherence to timelines has been mandated. Disqualifying participants who fail to appear on stage after three calls is also under consideration,” said V Sivankutty, Education Minister.

Plans are also afoot to illuminate the city from Kanakakunnu to Kizhakkekotta.

QR code guidance
A QR code system has been implemented to guide students to their respective venues, while help desks will operate at the Thiruvananthapuram railway station and bus stand.

The vehicle procession carrying the golden trophy for the overall champions will begin its journey from Kanhangad in Kasaragod on December 31. It will travel through all districts, reaching Thiruvananthapuram on January 3.It will be accorded a reception at the district border in Thattathumala, after which it will proceed ceremonially to the main venue at the Central Stadium.