Actor Sudheer Karamana was a surprise visitor at Putharikandam, where the lunch for some 20,000 is served every day. “I always try to attend the arts festivals of students,” he says. “I enjoy that not just as an artist but also as someone who has also been a school principal. At this festival, I watched some Bharatanatyam (HS Girls) and loved it. Since I studied at Kendriya Vidyalaya, I could not take part in the State School Arts Festival, but I was very active during my college days, and have won prizes, including one for the best actor.”

State School Arts Festival controversies and opportunities: copyright issues, mimicry drama, and a volunteer's passion for dance.

Eleven years after ghazal competition was introduced at the festival, the standards have vastly improved, with 16 of the 17 contestants securing A grades

The 63rd Kerala State School Arts Festival 2025 kicks off with emotional performances and competitions in Thiruvananthapuram.

Events to look forward to on Saturday