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Kerala's Mega School Festival Begins Amid Political Drama in Thrissur

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the 64th Kerala School Kalolsavam in Thrissur, a massive five-day cultural festival for students. The event features over 14,000 participants competing in hundreds of art forms across 25 specially named venues. The inauguration saw a notable political moment as Union Minister Suresh Gopi's arrival drew a massive cheer from the audience. The festival had faced a pre-event controversy over the naming of a venue, which was resolved by renaming a stage 'Thamara' (lotus).

Key Points: Kerala School Kalolsavam 2025 Inaugurated in Thrissur

  • Over 14,000 students participate
  • Festival features 250 art forms
  • Venue naming controversy resolved
  • Suresh Gopi's entry draws loud cheers
  • Event runs until January 18
2 min read

CM Vijayan inaugurates cultural festival for students in Thrissur as Union Minister Suresh Gopi joins

CM Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurates 64th Kerala School Kalolsavam. Union Minister Suresh Gopi's entry steals spotlight. Stage naming controversy resolved.

CM Vijayan inaugurates cultural festival for students in Thrissur as Union Minister Suresh Gopi joins
"Today, this has become an iconic event that touches all segments of our society. - Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan"

Thrissur, Jan 14

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday inaugurated the 64th Kerala School Kalolsavam in Thrissur, setting in motion what is widely regarded as one of the largest cultural festivals for school students in the country.

The five-day event, being held in the state's cultural capital, brings together over 14,000 students competing in nearly 250 art forms across 25 venues. Inaugurating the festival at the main venue 'Sooryakanthi' at Thekkinkad Maidan, CM Vijayan traced the evolution of the Kalolsavam since its inception in 1956.

"Starting from a participation of a mere 200 students when it began, today we see over 14,000 students participating. That is the distance we have come. Today, this has become an iconic event that touches all segments of our society," the Chief Minister said.

The inaugural ceremony witnessed an unscripted political moment when Thrissur MP and Union Minister of State for Tourism Suresh Gopi arrived at the venue while CM Vijayan was delivering his address.

The minister's entry drew the loudest cheer of the evening from the audience, briefly shifting attention from the stage to the gallery.

The reaction underlined Gopi's strong local following in Thrissur, which he won for the BJP in the recent Lok Sabha elections.

The State School Kalolsavam will continue until January 18, with competitions held across 25 venues named after flowers.

The naming of stages had, however, sparked a controversy ahead of the event.

The initial exclusion of the name 'Thamara' (lotus) led to protests by BJP-affiliated organisations, including the Yuva Morcha, which alleged political discrimination.

Following the backlash, organisers renamed one of the venues as 'Thamara'.

General Education Minister V. Sivankutty said the stage earlier named 'Dallia' was renamed to avoid unnecessary disputes.

The move was welcomed by the BJP, which said the issue stood resolved.

Despite the brief controversy, elaborate arrangements have been made for accommodation, transport and security, with the focus firmly on celebrating Kerala's rich artistic traditions through its young talent.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who participated in Kalolsavam 15 years ago, this news brings back so many memories. It's more than a competition; it's a life-changing experience for students. Happy to see it's only grown bigger. The initial naming controversy was unfortunate, but glad they resolved it.
V
Vikram M
The loud cheer for Suresh Gopi shows his massive connect with the people of Thrissur. While the festival is for students, it's interesting to see how local politics plays out even in cultural spaces. But ultimately, the focus should remain on the children's performances.
P
Priya S
I have to respectfully disagree with the way the naming issue was handled. First excluding 'Thamara' and then adding it after protests? It feels reactive. These events should be planned inclusively from the start, not corrected after creating unnecessary tension. The festival itself is a brilliant concept though.
R
Rohit P
250 art forms! That's the real story here. From Ottamthullal to Bharatanatyam, our children are keeping traditions alive. This is the soft power of India that we should showcase to the world. More states should have festivals of this scale.
M
Michael C
The logistical effort behind this is mind-boggling. Accommodation, transport, security for 14,000+ students across 25 venues? Hats off to the Kerala administration. This is how you nurture the next generation of artists. Wish we had something similar back home.

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