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Desinganad Sahodaya Schools' Complex emblemDesinganad SahodayaSchools’ Complex · Kollam
Desinganad Sahodaya Schools' Complex emblem

കലോത്സവം

Youth Festival

Kalotsav ’26

156 competitions across four categories and the group stage, conducted strictly in accordance with the Keralam State Sahodaya Kalotsavam Manual 2026, approved by the Confederation of Kerala Sahodaya Complexes.

Offstage

September 2026

Onstage

October 2026

Exact dates to be announced by the Programme Committee.

Browse all 156 itemsJudging criteria

The foundation

Why one manual governs everything

The State Kalotsavam Manual is the foundation on which the entire festival stands. It tells everyone, from students and teachers to organisers and judges, what to expect and how to move forward. When there is one clear manual, there is no room for confusion.

The Kalotsavam begins in schools, moves to the Sahodaya, and finally reaches the State. At the Sahodaya level the same manual is followed without changes. This matters because the students who win here step into the State competition next; if the rules or judgement changed midway, it would become unfair and discouraging.

The manual also protects the integrity of judgement. Each competition has clear criteria with value points that guide the evaluation. Whether it is a drawing, a song, a dance or a speech, the same yardstick applies everywhere. This consistency gives students the confidence that their work will be judged fairly, no matter where they perform.

It carries a message of trust: that every student’s effort will be valued equally, whether they come from a small school or a large one, and that the event is not about chance, but about fairness.

Eligibility

The four categories

Competitions are conducted in four categories on the basis of the class in which a student belongs. A student from a lower category cannot compete in a higher one, or the reverse.

Category I

Classes III & IV

A first stage. Every item is common to boys and girls.

Items
20
Onstage
16

Category II

Classes V, VI & VII

Classical forms and the written arts enter the calendar.

Items
25
Onstage
19

Category III

Classes VIII, IX & X

The widest slate, with 51 items across every discipline.

Items
51
Onstage
34

Category IV

Classes XI & XII

Senior competition, carrying the highest points to the school.

Items
49
Onstage
32

Group Items

All categories

Team events contested irrespective of category.

Items
11
Onstage
11

Conduct

General rules

  1. 1

    One student can participate in a maximum of five single items and two group items. Out of the 5 single items only 3 can be stage items. However, a student can participate in 5 off-stage items provided he or she is not participating in any stage items.

  2. 2

    A student from a lower category cannot compete in a higher category and vice versa.

  3. 3

    School Identity Card is compulsory for participating in any event.

  4. 4

    Participation in the following common group items shall be irrespective of category or sex: Group Song, Patriotic Song, Mime, English One Act Play, Western Music Concert, Band Display and National Anthem (Sahodaya level only).

  5. 5

    Participation in the following common group items shall be irrespective of category: Thiruvathirakali (Girls), Oppana (Girls), Margham Kali (Girls), Kolkkali (Boys), Duffmutt (Boys).

  6. 6

    Even if there is only one entry for an item, the competition shall be conducted and grade, prize and points will be awarded.

  7. 7

    Each school shall organise its Kalotsavam framing rules and regulations in accordance with the Desinganad Manual.

  8. 8

    Only one participant or team from a school can participate in the Sahodaya level competition.

  9. 9

    First and second position winners in each item and category shall be selected at the Sahodaya level to participate in the State Kalotsavam. For the English One Act Play there shall be only one entry from each Sahodaya.

  10. 10

    The mark sheets, tabulation sheets and result sheets shall be kept in the safe custody of the General Secretary of the Desinganad Sahodaya.

  11. 11

    Group items can be registered with two standbys to substitute performers in an emergency. Substitution while performing on stage is not allowed. Certificates and prizes are given only to students who perform on stage.

  12. 12

    The qualifications and credentials of the judges shall be announced on the stage before the commencement of each item.

  13. 13

    In case prize winners are not participating in the State Kalotsavam, the Sahodaya can promote the next position holder, but not from the same school.

Reporting for an event

  1. a.The participant or team manager shall report at the respective stage at least half an hour before the competition begins, along with the ID card of the participants. Those who fail to report on time may be disqualified without further enquiry.
  2. b.Perform on the stage as and when the chest number is called out.
  3. c.Participants should return the chest number to the concerned Stage Manager after the performance and collect their ID cards before leaving the venue.

Assessment

Grades, points & trophies

Participants securing first, second and third position with a minimum of 50% marks are awarded merit certificates. All other participants receive participation certificates.

Fixing of grade
GradeMarksPoints
Grade A70% and above5
Grade B60% to 69%3
Grade C50% to 59%1

No grade or points are awarded for 49% and below.

Individual items

Total points for individual items by grade and place
PlaceGrade AGrade BGrade C
1st Place1086
2nd Place864
3rd Place642

Group items

Total points for group items by grade and place
PlaceGrade AGrade BGrade C
1st Place201612
2nd Place16128
3rd Place1284
Trophies to schools
  • Schools securing first, second and third position in total points are awarded Ever Rolling Trophies.
  • Schools securing first, second and third position in each category are awarded trophies.
  • The school first in aggregate points across all items receives an Ever Rolling Trophy, but not as the winner school.
Trophies to Sahodaya
  • Schools securing first and second position in every category are awarded Ever Rolling Trophies.
  • Schools securing first and second position in total points receive overall Ever Rolling Trophies.
  • In ranking the schools, both the grades and the positions of participants are considered.

Fairness

The appeal procedure

  1. 1

    Appeals on genuine grounds are entertained if submitted by the participant within one hour of the announcement of the result, to the Chairman of the Appeal Committee.

  2. 2

    The appeal must be accompanied by a fee of ₹2,000 and may be filed only by the Principal of the concerned school or the Team Manager.

  3. 3

    To be eligible to sign an appeal, a delegate of the school must submit a duly attested letter from the Team Manager.

  4. 4

    The Appeal Committee may accept or reject an appeal after scrutiny. Its decision is final and binding.

  5. 5

    The fee is forfeited if the complaint is rejected, and refunded if the decision favours the participant.

The Appeal Committee

The committee consists of the President, General Secretary and Treasurer of the Desinganad Sahodaya. The quorum for a meeting is a minimum of three members.

Organisation

Fifteen committees

Constituted for the smooth and effective conduct of the Kalotsavam, each with chairpersons and vice-chairpersons from the Desinganad Sahodaya Complex.

  • 01Registration Committee
  • 02Reception Committee
  • 03Programme Committee
  • 04Tabulation Committee
  • 05Stage, Panthal, Light & Sound Committee
  • 06Finance Committee
  • 07Food & Accommodation Committee
  • 08Prizes, Trophies & Certificates Committee
  • 09Publicity, Press & Media Committee
  • 10Judges Committee
  • 11Discipline & Volunteers Committee
  • 12Transport Committee
  • 13Welfare Committee
  • 14Appeal Committee
  • 15Stage Management Committee