​Thiruvananthapuram: The curtains will go up on the Mathrubhumi International Festival of Letters at Kanakakkunnu palace in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday morning.   For the next three days, Kanakakkunnu Palace will witness a  rare celebration of letters.

Writer and parliamentarian Shashi Tharoor, who's also the patron of the literary festival, will deliver the keynote address. Matrubhumi Managing Editor PV Chandran will honour the guests.The festival of letters will begin as Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan officially declares it open at 3 pm. 

At the inaugural ceremony to be chaired by  Matrubhumi Managing Director and writer MP Veerendrakumar, eminent poet Sugathakumari will deliver felicitation address.

Chief Minister will also give away prizes for the winners of the short story competition organized by Matrubhumi.

Live registration starts from today. The registration will start at 9 am on Friday at the venue.

The fee is Rs 100 for a single day. For those who register for three days together have to pay only Rs 250. Students up to the  Plus 2 level don't have to pay. But they have to present either the ID card or a letter from the head of the institution.

Registration can be done online www.mbifl.com. It can also be done through 'Book My Show' website and app. ​