Thiruvananthapuram: As the Kerala School Kalolsavam begins in Thiruvananthapuram, Pazhayidom Mohanan Namboothiri is set to take centre stage by presenting a delightful array of flavours.

He began his work by offering on Friday itself a special payasam to Ministers V Sivankutty, GR Anil, and other dignitaries, including media persons, who had arrived for the launch of his festival kitchen. "This year, the tastes will be different. Every year, I introduce a new special item. The food will be prepared not only to fill the stomach but also to warm the heart. However, I am not going to reveal this year's special item . Let the people discover it by tasting my food," Pazhayidom said.

Since 2006, Pazhayidom and his team have managed the festival kitchen for Kalolsavam. He has also prepared meals for the State School Sports Festival for 14 years and the School Science Festival for 15 times.

The festival kitchen will serve food for 40,000 people daily. The kitchen, which has been operational since Friday evening, will serve food three times a day. Breakfast will be provided for 10,000 people, lunch for 20,000, and supper for 10,000. The meals will be served on plantain leaves throughout the festival.

Each day will feature a different breakfast, while lunch will include 12 curries and payasam. Supplies collected from various schools across Thiruvananthapuram have already been stocked in the kitchen's storeroom.

Expressing satisfaction with the arrangements, Pazhayidom said, "The menu will include dishes that appeal to people from all districts. My only prayer now is that I am able to fulfil my responsibility of preparing food that leaves the children completely satisfied."

At the Neyyar Pandal on the Putharikkanadam grounds, up to 4,000 people can dine together at the same time. The seating arrangement includes 20 rows with 200 seats per row. A team of 350 people, including teachers, students, and members of the Scouts and Guides, will serve food at the venue. The Kerala School Teachers Association has been entrusted with the responsibility of the food committee.