THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Athena and Jewel were dancing vibrantly on the sands of Kovalam beach, capturing the attention of Anja, a Bosnian tourist, who exclaimed, "Amazing!" A nearby beachgoer commented slyly, "Madam, this is just a sample. Head to the city tomorrow and witness the real spectacle. This time, the festival in Thiruvananthapuram will be extraordinary!"

Athena from Poonthura St. Philomena’s School and Jewel from Mukkola St. Thomas School had come to Kovalam to practice Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam. Anja, enthralled by their dance, asked them to show her a few steps. When she tried to imitate them, she stumbled and fell, eliciting laughter from the onlookers.

“What’s going on here?” asked Hendrik, a German tourist who had come ashore from surfing. On learning it was Indian classical dance, Hendrik eagerly pulled out his camera to capture the moment. He then began asking those around him more about the dance forms.

A local enthusiastically chimed in, "Hey, the State School Kalolsavam starts tomorrow! Dance, mimicry, mono-act, drama, songs, Kathakali competitions—very, very super. You’re welcome to join!”

“Kathakali!” exclaimed Hendrik, his face lighting up. “I’ll definitely come to enjoy Kathakali!” he said before grabbing his surfboard and diving back into the waves.

Athena and Jewel invited him to watch their Kuchipudi and Bharatanatyam performances at the festival. Anja, unwilling to part from the kids, stayed with them, cheering and touching their costumes until their practice ended. She promised to attend the dance competition before leaving.

All the participants of the festival were busy practising on Friday. Contestants from other districts arrived with their parents and teachers, conducting final rehearsals at their accommodations. Some classical dancers performed at city temples, seeking blessings, while practices for dramas and tribal art forms were held in schools.

After a gap of eight years, Thiruvananthapuram is all set to become the 'cultural capital' once again. The inaugural ceremony of the 63rd Kerala School Kalolsavam will take place at the MT Nila stage in the Central Stadium. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the festival at 10 a.m. on Saturday, marking the start of a five-day cultural extravaganza.