# Kerala School Kalolsavam

The Kerala School Kalolsavam is an annual event organized by the Government of Kerala, featuring various art competitions for high school and higher secondary students across the state of Kerala. Established in 1956, it was known as the "Kerala State School Youth Festival" until 2024. The participants, students in classes 8 to 12, compete at the state level after advancing from their respective district competitions. The event typically takes place between December and January and is considered one of the largest cultural gatherings in Asia.
The current champions are Thrissur district, who won the 63rd Kerala School Kalolsavam held in Thiruvananthapuram from January 4 to 8, 2025. This was the district's sixth overall victory, with their last win in 1999.

## History

Kerala School Kalolsavam is a unique festival in its structure and organization, overseen by the Education Department as per guidelines drafted by experts. This annual event provides a platform for students to showcase their talents at various levels, from school to the state. Over its 53-year history, the festival has evolved significantly in both scope and spirit, becoming a hallmark of student talent in Kerala.
The event traces its roots back to 1956-57, when it was known as the 'School Yuvajanolsavam'. The idea for the festival was conceived by Dr. C.S. Venkiteswaran, who was inspired by an inter-university festival in Delhi. The first event, held at Sree Rama Varma High School in Ernakulam, was a modest one-day program with 200 participants. Over the years, more competitions were added, and the event expanded in both scale and duration, now spanning five days with around 10,000 participants.
From its early days, the festival has seen considerable growth. Initially a small event, it has become a major cultural festival supported by the government, local authorities, and representatives from various levels, including the Grama Panchayat, Corporation, and state legislators. In 2008-09, the event reached a milestone with a participant count of nearly 10,000, compared to the 200 participants in its inaugural year.
The year 1975 marked a turning point for the Kalolsavam, when traditional Kerala art forms like Kathakali music, Mohiniyattam, and Aksharaslokam were introduced. The festival continued to grow, incorporating more art forms such as Margamkali, Kuchipudi, and Yakshaganam. By the late 1980s, a prestigious Golden Cup made of 117.5 sovereigns of gold was introduced for the overall winning district, designed by Chirayankeezhu Srikandan Nair.
In 2000, the Millennium Trophy, featuring a dancing Nataraja figure, was introduced. Today, the Kalolsavam rewards winners with various trophies, cash prizes, and grace marks. Trichur Trophies has been the official provider of awards for the past 12 years, and in 2022 alone, around 14,000 trophies were distributed at the state level. The earlier system of awarding titles like 'Kalathilakam' and 'Kalaprathibha' has been discontinued to prevent unhealthy competition.

## Criticisms

Kerala School Kalolsavam has faced criticism for excluding the traditional Kolkali performed by Hindus from its competitions. While Thekkan Koladi, a variation of Kolkali, is included, the original form practiced by Hindus of Malabar has been omitted. Many believe this exclusion is driven by political motives, disregarding the cultural significance and heritage of the art form. Critics argue that such selective inclusion undermines the diversity and fairness of the festival, which is meant to celebrate Kerala’s rich artistic traditions.

## Events

The following is a list of events held at Kalolsavam, categorized by art forms. Some events are restricted to specific participants, with certain events only for boys, others only for girls, and some for both. Additionally, some events are exclusive to students from Arabic and Sanskrit medium schools.

### Folk Arts

* Aravana muttu
* Bharatanatyam
* Chakyar koothu
* Duffmuttu
* Folk dance
* Group Dance
* Irula Dance (since 2025)
* Kathakali – Single / Group
* Kerala Natanam
* Kolkali
* Koodiyattam
* Kuchipudi
* Malapulayattam (since 2025)
* Mangalamkali (since 2025)
* Margamkali
* Mohiniyattam (since 1975)
* Nangiar koothu
* Oppana
* Paliya Dance (since 2025)
* Paniya Dance (since 2025)
* Parichamuttukali
* Poorakkali
* Thiruvathirakkali
* Vattappattu

### Literary Arts

* Caption writing
* Dictionary making
* Essay writing – Arabic / English / Hindi / Malayalam / Sanskrit / Urdu
* Poetry writing – Arabic / English / Hindi / Malayalam / Sanskrit / Urdu
* Prasnothari
* Samasyapooranam
* Story writing – Arabic / English / Hindi / Malayalam / Sanskrit / Urdu
* Translation – Arabic

### Music Arts
#### Instrumental

* Chenda / Thayambaka
* Clarinet / Bugle
* Band
* Flute
* Guitar – Western
* Instrumental Music
* Madhalam
* Mridangam / Kanjira / Ghadam
* Nadaswaram
* Panchavadyam
* Tabla
* Triple / Jazz – Western
* Veena / Vichitra veena
* Violin – Eastern / Oriental / Western

#### Vocal or Genre-based

* Arabic music
* Classical music
* Folk music
* Ghazal
* Group Song – Urdu
* Kathakali music
* Light music
* Mappila songs
* Patriotic Song
* Vanchippattu

### Verbal Arts

* Aksharaslokam (since 1975)
* Ashtapadi
* Chambuprabhashanam
* Kadhaprasangam
* Kavyakeli
* Lecture
* Mushaira
* Pathakam
* Poetry recitation – Arabic / English / Hindi / Kannada / Malayalam / Sanskrit / Tamil / Urdu
* Speech – Arabic / English / Hindi / Kannada / Malayalam / Sanskrit / Tamil / Urdu
* Quiz – Urdu
* Quran recitation

### Visual Arts

* Cartoon
* Collage
* Painting – Oil Colour / Pencil / Water Colour

### Theatre Arts

* Chavittu Nadakam
* Drama
* Mime
* Mimicry
* Mono Act
* Ottan Thullal
* Skit – English
* Yakshagana

## List of winners

The following list details the overall district winners of the Kerala State School Youth Festival (Kalolsavam) since its inception in 1957. Until 2009, only the top-performing district was recognized with a title. Starting in 2009, the introduction of the runner-up category expanded the awards to include second-place and third-place honors as well.

### 2020s

| Edition | Year | Final Result | Final Result | Final Result | Date(s) | Venue |
| Edition | Year | Winner(s) | 1st Runner-Up | 2nd Runner-Up | Date(s) | Venue |
| 63 | 2025 | Thrissur | Palakkad | Kannur | 4–8 January | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 62 | 2024 | Kannur | Kozhikode | Palakkad | 4–8 January | Kollam |
| 61 | 2023 | Kozhikode | Kannur & Palakkad | Thrissur | 3–7 January | Kozhikode |
| 60 | 2020 | Palakkad | Kozhikode | Kannur | 28 November – 1 December | Kasaragod (Kanhangad) |
Note – Due to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, no editions of the event were held in years 2021 and 2022.

### 2010s

| Edition | Year | Final Result | Final Result | Final Result | Date(s) | Venue |
| Edition | Year | Winner(s) | 1st Runner-Up | 2nd Runner-Up | Date(s) | Venue |
| 59 | 2019 | Palakkad | Kozhikode | Malappuram | 7–9 December | Alappuzha |
| 58 | 2018 | Kozhikode | Palakkad | Malappuram | 6–10 January | Thrissur |
| 57 | 2017 | Kozhikode | Palakkad | Kannur | 16–22 January | Kannur |
| 56 | 2016 | Kozhikode | Palakkad | Kannur | 19–25 January | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 55 | 2015 | Kozhikode & Palakkad | Thrissur | Kannur | 3–7 January | Kozhikode |
| 54 | 2014 | Kozhikode | Palakkad | Thrissur | 19–25 January | Palakkad |
| 53 | 2013 | Kozhikode | Thrissur | Malappuram | 14–20 January | Malappuram |
| 52 | 2012 | Kozhikode | Thrissur | Malappuram | 16–22 January | Thrissur |
| 51 | 2011 | Kozhikode | Thrissur | Kannur | 18–23 January | Kottayam |
| 50 | 2010 | Kozhikode | Kannur | Thrissur | 9–15 January | Kozhikode |

### 2000s

| Edition | Year | Final Result | Final Result | Final Result | Venue |
| Edition | Year | Winner(s) | 1st Runner-Up | 2nd Runner-Up | Venue |
| 49 | 2009 | Kozhikode | Thrissur | Kannur | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 48 | 2008 | Kozhikode | Not awarded | Not awarded | Kollam |
| 47 | 2007 | Kozhikode | Not awarded | Not awarded | Kannur |
| 46 | 2006 | Palakkad | Not awarded | Not awarded | Ernakulam |
| 45 | 2005 | Kozhikode | Not awarded | Not awarded | Malappuram (Tirur) |
| 44 | 2004 | Kozhikode | Not awarded | Not awarded | Thrissur |
| 43 | 2003 | Ernakulam | Not awarded | Not awarded | Alappuzha |
| 42 | 2002 | Kozhikode | Not awarded | Not awarded | Kozhikode |
| 41 | 2001 | Kozhikode | Not awarded | Not awarded | Idukki (Thodupuzha) |
| 40 | 2000 | Ernakulam & Kannur | Not awarded | Not awarded | Palakkad |

### 1990s

| Edition | Year | Final Result | Venue |
| Edition | Year | Winner | Venue |
| 39 | 1999 | Thrissur | Kollam |
| 38 | 1998 | Kannur | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 37 | 1997 | Kannur | Ernakulam |
| 36 | 1996 | Thrissur | Kottayam |
| 35 | 1995 | Ernakulam | Kannur |
| 34 | 1994 | Thrissur | Kozhikode |
| 33 | 1993 | Kozhikode | Thrissur |
| 32 | 1992 | Kozhikode | Malappuram (Tirur) |
| 31 | 1991 | Kozhikode | Kasaragod |
| 30 | 1990 | Ernakulam | Alappuzha |

### 1980s

| Edition | Year | Final Result | Venue |
| Edition | Year | Winner | Venue |
| 29 | 1989 | Thiruvananthapuram | Ernakulam |
| 28 | 1988 | Thiruvananthapuram | Kollam |
| 27 | 1987 | Thiruvananthapuram | Kozhikode |
| 26 | 1986 | Thiruvananthapuram | Thrissur |
| 25 | 1985 | Thiruvananthapuram | Ernakulam |
| 24 | 1984 | Thiruvananthapuram | Kottayam |
| 23 | 1983 | Thiruvananthapuram | Ernakulam |
| 22 | 1982 | Thiruvananthapuram | Kannur |
| 21 | 1981 | Thiruvananthapuram | Palakkad |
| 20 | 1980 | Thiruvananthapuram | Thiruvananthapuram |

### 1970s

| Edition | Year | Final Result | Venue |
| Edition | Year | Winner | Venue |
| 19 | 1979 | Kottayam | Kottayam |
| 18 | 1978 | Thiruvananthapuram | Thrissur |
| 17 | 1977 | Thiruvananthapuram | Ernakulam |
| 16 | 1976 | Thiruvananthapuram | Kozhikode |
| 15 | 1975 | Kottayam | Kottayam (Pala) |
| 14 | 1974 | Thiruvananthapuram | Alappuzha (Mavelikkara) |
| 13 | 1971 | Alappuzha | Alappuzha |
| 12 | 1970 | Thrissur (Irinjalakkuda) | Thrissur (Irinjalakkuda) |
Note – Due to political and administrative issues in the state, no editions of the event were held in years 1972 and 1973.

### 1960s

| Edition | Year | Final Result | Venue |
| Edition | Year | Winner | Venue |
| 11 | 1969 | Thrissur (Irinjalakkuda) | Kottayam |
| 10 | 1968 | Alappuzha | Thrissur |
| 09 | 1965 | Kollam | Palakkad (Shoranur) |
| 08 | 1964 | Alappuzha | Pathanamthitta (Thiruvalla) |
| 07 | 1963 | Thiruvananthapuram | Thrissur |
| 06 | 1962 | Alappuzha | Kottayam (Changanassery) |
| 05 | 1961 | Thiruvananthapuram | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 04 | 1960 | Kannur (Thalassery) | Kozhikode |
Note – Due to political and administrative issues in the state, no editions of the event were held in years 1966 and 1967.

### 1950s

| Edition | Year | Final Result | Venue |
| Edition | Year | Winner | Venue |
| 03 | 1959 | Kozhikode | Palakkad (Chittur) |
| 02 | 1958 | Thiruvananthapuram | Thiruvananthapuram |
| 01 | 1957 | North Malabar (Kasaragod, Kannur & Wayanad) | Ernakulam |

### District Ranking

The following is a list of district-wise winners of the Kerala School Kalolsavam since its inception. The winner of the first edition, North Malabar, is not included in this list as it represented a group of multiple districts.
| No. | District(s) | | | | Total Victory | Best result |
| 1º | Kozhikode | 21 | 3 | 0 | 24 | Winner (1959 • 1991–1993 • 2001 • 2002 • 2004 • 2005 • 2007–2018 • 2023) |
| 2º | Thiruvananthapuram | 17 | 0 | 0 | 17 | Winner (1958 • 1961 • 1963 • 1974 • 1976–1978 • 1980–1989) |
| 3º | Thrissur | 6 | 5 | 3 | 14 | Winner (1969 • 1970 • 1994 • 1996 • 1999 • 2025) |
| 4º | Kannur | 5 | 2 | 7 | 14 | Winner (1960 • 1997 • 1998 • 2000 • 2024) |
| 5º | Palakkad | 4 | 6 | 1 | 11 | Winner (2006 • 2015 • 2019 • 2020) |
| 6º | Ernakulam | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Winner (1990 • 1995 • 2000 • 2003) |
| 7º | Alappuzha | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | Winner (1962 • 1964 • 1968 • 1971) |
| 8º | Kottayam | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Winner (1975 • 1979) |
| 9º | Kollam | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Winner (1965) |
| 10º | Malappuram | 0 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 2nd Runner-up (2012 • 2013 • 2018 • 2019) |
| 11º | Kasaragod | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8th (2016) |
| 12º | Wayanad | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9th (2020) |
| 13º | Pathanamthitta | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12th (2011–2013 • 2015 • 2025) |
| 14º | Idukki | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13th (2015 • 2025) |

## Prominent Performers at Kalolsavams

The Kerala School Kalolsavam has long served as a platform for discovering new talent, with many participants going on to make notable contributions to the Malayalam film industry. Several well-known Malayalam actors were once participants in the Kalolsavam, where they earned recognition for their skills in various competitions.
| Sl. No | Artist | Position Won in Kalolsavam |
| 1 | Vineeth | 'Kalaprathibha' title in 1986 |
| 2 | Divyaa Unni | 'Kalathilakam' title in 1990 and 1991 |
| 3 | Manju Warrier | 'Kalathilakam' title in 1992 and 1995 |
| 4 | Kavya Madhavan | Participant, District-level 'Kalathilakam' title |
| 5 | Ambili Devi | 'Kalathilakam' title in 2001 |
| 6 | Navya Nair | Participant |
| 7 | Vineeth Kumar | 'Kalaprathibha' title in 1988 |
| 8 | Vineeth Sreenivasan | First prize for Mappila Songs in 2000 |
| 9 | Vinduja Menon | 'Kalathilakam' title in 1991 |
| 10 | Shivajith Padmanabhan | 'Kalaprathibha' title in 1998 & 1999 |