The two day Zonal level (Zone 3) Kalaprathibotsava 2012-13 organised by Kannada and culture department witnessed an enthusiastic start here at Kalamandir on Monday
. 
Different events marked the beginning of the talent hunt programme with participants from various parts of the State.
Filled with energy, students of 10 districts- Mysore, Shimoga, Dharwad, Davangere, Haveri, Karwar, Chitradurga, Chikmagalur, Udupi and Mangalore actively partook in seven solo events organised at different venues on the premises of Kalamandir.
Students who have bagged first three places in respective district level are here to participate in the zonal level.
Under the categories- ‘bala pratibhe’ (8 years to 13 years) and ‘kishora pratibhe’ (13 years to 18 years), young participants showcased their various talents. Hindustani instrumental music, Karnatak classical vocal, classical dance, sugama sangeetha, drawing, folk dance and mono acting.
While budding classical dancers gracefully danced, young singers, artists and artistes performed their part excellently. The drawing section had two topics for children to choose- school premises and festival celebration.
Assisted and encouraged by their teachers and parents, the promising stars of future rocked the stage. Events of ‘yuva pratibhe’ (18 years to 30 years) is scheduled on December 4.
Assistant director of Kannada and culture department K N Annegowda clarified that, no stage programme of inauguration was conducted however, the event was not cancelled to avoid inconvenience to children. Accommodation to participants is provided at Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry and travel allowance is given.
Joint director V N Mallikarjunappa said that the event provides a platform for children to unveil their talents apart from their routine academics.
He said extra curricular activities are necessary for overall development of a child along with studies. Those selected here will be sent to Bangalore for State level contest.