“A contestant is permitted to participate in one category of their choice,” said Shajahan, general secretary of the organization, adding that all contestants must register by March 22. He said registration is limited to 40 contestants (10 per category). “The competition will commence at 7 p.m. sharp,” he added.

Kalasahithi will provide a cooking table, stove, water, lighter and gas cylinders to contestants. However, contestants are responsible for bringing cooking utensils, ingredients, cutlery and crockery.

“No ingredients should be pre-cooked in any way prior to the official commencement. Chicken, fish, vegetable, onions and so forth may be pre-cut, grated, grinded, chopped from home and bought to the site,” Shajahan said. Payasam ready-mix, available in stores, is not allowed. Cooking should be completed within two hours.

Each contestant must cook a minimum of 1 kilo.

“Cooking is to be done solely by the contestant and no assistance from others is permitted,” Shajahan said.

Participants can decorate their items for display using vegetables.

He said the first, second and third place winners in each category would receive prizes. Judgment will be based on taste and blend of spices and presentation.

Anyone who is interested can contact 0507864151 for more information.