Bhubaneswar: The All-India Inter College Medical student Fest, Chiasma, has started at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here on Friday with much fanfare and enthusiasm from thousands of medical students gathered here from all across the country.

AIIMS Bhubaneswar has got the opportunity to host the fest this time and around 3,000 medical students are expected to come here from across the country. Till it ends on February 6, the fest will witness student activities in literature, culture, sports, quiz and fine arts.

The fest began on Friday with a quiz competition for medical students followed by pencil-sketching competition. Another quiz competition on science and business was also held on the opening day. It was followed by a photography competition by visiting students.

AIIMS administrators claimed that it was the largest medical student fest in the eastern region. Union petroleum minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the fest on Friday, while the curtain raiser had been held on Thursday evening.

After the inauguration, the students and the employees of the premier institute jived to a rocking performance by Underground Authority.

"This is the first time I am hearing Underground Authority and I love their music and style," said Priyanka, a medical student.

The fest will also host Spicmacay, known for its work on promoting Indian culture. The fest will also witness performances by Azeem Bantawalla of East India Comedy fame, and a performance by singer-composer Arman Malik on February 4.