Thrissur: The much-awaited State School Arts Festival will come alive today, transforming Thrissur into a vibrant hub of creativity and celebration. The five-day festival, running till the 18th, will feature artistic competitions across 25 venues, with nearly 15,000 young talents from across the state taking part.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the festival at 10 a.m. on the main stage at the Exhibition Ground. Echoing the grandeur of the iconic Thrissur Pooram, the opening ceremony will be marked by a spectacular Pandimelam and Kudamattam. In a symbolic highlight, 64 students will participate in the Kudamattam, commemorating the 64th edition of the festival.
The competitions will be held at 25 venues, each named after different flowers. The festival flag will be hoisted at 9 a.m. by Director of General Education N.S.K. Umesh, while Minister V. Sivankutty will preside over the inaugural function. A welcome song penned by renowned lyricist B.K. Harinarayanan will be presented in a dance format by students of Kalamandalam. The official theme song for the festival has been composed by students of Potassery School, Palakkad.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi, Reception Committee Chairman and Minister K. Rajan, along with other public representatives and senior officials, are expected to grace the occasion.
Ensuring smooth conduct of the festival, elaborate security arrangements have been put in place with around 1,200 police personnel deployed under the supervision of 10 Sub-Inspectors. Adding to the visitor-friendly atmosphere, women-friendly taxi services will operate across the city. Continuing a cherished tradition, meals for participants and guests will once again be prepared under the guidance of celebrated chef Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri.
