The five-day long National Cultural Fest organised by Kumaran Asan National Institute of Culture, Thonnakal, began in the city on Thursday.
Minister of State for Human Resource Development Shashi Tharoor hoisted the ceremonial flag of the festival here.
Speaking at the function, Mr. Tharoor said new projects and training facilities to provide employment opportunities for women were on the anvil and innovative projects to help the youth meet the challenges of the 21st century would be implemented.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy would officially inaugurate the festival on December 28 at 9 a.m.
Cultural meets, seminars, cultural competitions, and various cultural programmes would be held as part of the festival.
