Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam

MORE THAN 500 Keralite children will compete in a series of art, cultural and literary activities at this year's Devji Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam (BKS) Balakalotsavam talent competition.
It will be the first time in the annual competition's 35-year history that children of non-members will participate and registration is now closed.
It will be held over 45 days at the BKS, in Segaiya, starting with a grand opening ceremony at 8pm on Saturday.
Indian film director and scriptwriter Kunithala Ranjith will be the chief guest.
The opening ceremony will feature a colourful flag parade presented by the participants and entry is free to all.
"It was our intention to open up this annual event to a larger field of contestants and a wider audience," said BKS president P V Radhakrishna Pillai.
"Such opportunities that we offer our children today, is what will provide them with confidence and overall development for the future.
"And the response, even at such short notice, has been overwhelming."
The competition will feature events that test the artistic, oratorial, intellectual and literary skills of contestants.
Other events will provide a platform to display their dancing and musical talents.
Individual activities including Kathaprasangam (story telling), mimicry, Nadan Pattu, poster design, mono act and folk dances will also feature along with team events.
Over 20 championship awards will be presented to winners, while all participants will take home trophies and certificates.
Contestants will compete for the titles of Kalaprathibha, for the overall champion among boys, Kalathilakam, for the overall champion among girls, the Sahithya Ratna, Sangeetha Ratna and Natya Ratna for overall champions in events, the Group Championship award and the Special Group Championship award.
An orientation session highlighting the code of conduct at the competition, as well as the timetable of events will take place from 8pm tomorrow at the BKS' Diamond Jubilee Hall.
Contact 36691405 or 39775584 for more information.