The 64th State School Arts Festival began on a high note at Vivekodayam BHSS with a thrilling light music contest for high school girls. Many excellent performances lit up the stage, continuing the festival's rich tradition that once featured stars like K.S. Chithra and Minmini. About 14,000 participants took part in the festival, held at venues across Kerala's cities. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the event at Thekkinkadu Maidan, alongside top officials including General Education Minister V. Sivankutty and actor MP Suresh Gopi. Among the day’s star attractions were Mohiniyattam (high school level) and group dance competitions, which pulled in large crowds eager to enjoy the spectacle and creative energy. Commenting on the festival, the Chief Minister said, "Art should be the religion of the artistes." He also praised the festival's growth, calling it "Asia’s largest" and a sign of Kerala’s strong education system. "The changes that have taken place at the State School Festival over seven decades have been amazing," he added. The opening day featured a diverse range of art forms: mimicry, Bharatanatyam, Paniya Dance, Ottanthullal, Chakyar Koothu, Arabana Muttu, guitar, Sanskrit drama, Kerala Nadanam, Mappila Pattu, and English recitation. Competition for the champion district’s Gold Cup is on. Kozhikode and Kannur took an early lead, closely followed by hosts Thrissur and Palakkad. Feeding thousands was a challenge met with enthusiasm. Saju George, chairman of the Food Committee, said, "We served food till 4 p.m. Even those who came very late were fed." With large crowds and art lovers gathering, the festival promises more dazzling performances in the days ahead.