Alappuzha: The 59th state school Kalolsavam began here on a low key with 59 students lighting 59 chiraaths (earthen pot) at Leo XIII HSS in the presence of Education Minister C. Raveendra-nath on Friday. ‘Kerala-natanam,’ a mix of Mohiniyattom and Kat-hakali, an art form exc-lusive to Kerala, began soon after.
The students came to the inaugural venue dr-essing up like Kutta-nadan farmers, houseboat drivers, Oppana and Kathakali artists.
Though initially the long pandal erected in the courtyard of the school was half empty with only teachers and well-wishers of the participants present, the festival is expected to draw crowds as the competitions progress.
Mohiniyattom competition with themes from puranas and epics and killings of demon ‘tha-daka’ was held at stage two at Government Gi-rls HSS in the morning. The event continued late into the evening.
The Lajnathul Muha-mmadiya HSS hosted Oppana competition, which was enjoyed by the crowd.
Earlier, DPI K.V. Mo-han Kumar hoisted the flag. PWD Minister G. Sudhakaran and Mr K.C. Venugopal, MP, were also present among others.
Thrissur leads on day 1
As the first day of the state youth festival got over, Thrissur district was leading the race for gold cup with 55 points in HS general category while the host district secured 49 points, fetching second place. The defending champion Kozhikode is in the seventh position with 46 points. The data was made available through NEST Poomaram App designed by education department. In HSS category, Kottayam was at top with 30 points while Thrissur was at second with 24 points. Palakkad ended up in third place with 23 points. In Arabic fest, Alappuzha leads with 5 points while Kottayam is at second place.
