Kottayam: The five-day Mahatma Gandhi University arts festival began with a colourful procession attended by hundreds of youths here on Thursday.
The procession, which was flagged off from the old police station ground in the afternoon, proceeded along K.K.Road and concluded at Thirunakkara, the main venue. Actor Harisree Ashokan inaugurated the festival named 'Alathalam 2019' at a function held at Thirunakkara ground in the evening. Actors Miya George and Tasveer Muhammad and Suresh Kurup MLA were present. Fisherman K.P. Jaisal, who helped the flood victims last year, was felicitated on the occasion. The students of about 300 affiliated colleges will participate in the competitions in 58 events. About 10,000 students are expected to participate in various stage and off-stage events. The other venues at CMS, Baselius and BCM colleges have been named in memory of film makers Lenin Rajendran and Mrinal Sen, former MLA and CPM leader Simon Britto, violinist Balabhaskar, nurse Lini and actor Captain Raju.
A Thiruvathira competition was held at main venue, followed by mime and Keralanadanam competitions.
