Thiruvananthapuram: The 63rd edition of the Kerala School Kalolsavam, initially planned for December 3 to 7 in Thiruvananthapuram, has been rescheduled to January 2025. The change comes in light of the National Achievement Survey examination to be held on December 4.

According to V Sivankutty, State Education Minister, the second-term examinations for schools are set to take place from December 12 to 20, followed by Christmas holidays from December 21 to 29. Considering these overlapping dates, the government has decided to move the youth festival to the first week of January.

Sub-district and district-level youth festivals
In line with the decision, the authorities have also adjusted the schedules for the sub-district and district-level youth festivals. As per the revised timeline, competitions at the school, sub-district, and district levels will be completed by October 15, November 10, and December 3, respectively.

Venues
The Kalolsavam, which is Asia's largest school-level arts festival, featuring students from schools following the Kerala state syllabus, will take place across 24 venues in the district.

The main stage will be set up at Putharikandam Maidan in East Fort, which will accommodate up to 15,000 spectators. Other venues include University Senate Hall, Nishagandhi Auditorium, Ayyankali Hall, Tagore Hall, and several schools within city limits. Meals will be provided at Police Ground, Thycaud, or Central Stadium.

Returning to Thiruvananthapuram after a nine-year gap, the district last hosted the event in 2015. Alongside Kalolsavam, two other festivals will also be organized: Samskritolsavam (Sanskrit festival) and Arabic Sahityolsavam (Arabic literary festival).

The school Kalolsavam began humbly in 1957 at the Government Girls High School in Ernakulam, where 18 competitions in 12 events were held in just a few classrooms. In contrast, this year’s event will feature 97 competitions in the high school category, 105 in higher secondary, and 19 each in Samskritolsavam and Arabic Sahityolsavam, totaling 240 events. Around 14,000 students are expected to compete.

Grading system
This year’s Kalolsavam will follow a revised manual, and all students earning an 'A' grade will receive a one-time scholarship of Rs 1,000. Approximately 350 judges, from Kerala and across India, will evaluate the performances. Any disputes will be addressed by a state-level appeal committee, and sub-committees formed by recognized teacher unions will ensure the smooth operation of the festival.