Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy today said the state could be proud of being the host of the largest and most recognised schools'' youth festival in the country.

An event of such magnitude where budding talents competed for honours in traditional and other art forms was unique in the country, Chandy said inaugurating the 53rd Schools Youth Festival here this evening.

The event was also noted for the participation of a large number of people to encourage the young generation, he said.Around 10,000 schoolchildren from across the state would display their talents in 232 categories at the festival, tipped as the largest such event in Asia.

A total of 18 stages had been arranged at the sprawling Malabar Special Police parade ground for the youth festival.The event is being held in Malappuram for the first time, though Tirur in the district had been host to the event earlier.

State Education Minister P K Abdu Rabb presided over the function. Union Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahamed was the chief guest.