The race is on for the Gold Cup at the 63rd State School Arts Festival. And Kannur has taken the slenderest of leads in the battle for the title as the champion district in the world’s biggest festival of its kind.
Kannur, the defending champion, was on 449 points when 94 events were completed. Just one point behind was Thrissur (448). Kozhikode, the most successful district in the history of the competition, was placed third with 446 points. Palakkad was fourth with 440 points, followed by Malappuram (427), Alappuzha (425), Ernakulam (423), Kollam (421) and host Thiruvananthapuram (419). With another three days of competition remaining, things could change drastically.
Day two of the festival provided plenty of joy for the art fans that have come to the capital from across the State, and even beyond. At the Central Stadium, the main venue of the festival, one came across a woman who has been flying in from Bahrain every year to watch mainly the classical dances. She got to watch some quality performances in Mohiniyattam (HSS).
There wasn’t much of a crowd, though, in sharp contrast to the previous night, when group dance (HSS) attracted a big crowd. It was close to midnight when the event concluded, but many stayed back. And they were treated to some scintillating performances, including the one by a local school, Carmel HSS. The tale of the star-crossed lovers Moitheen and Kanchana were well-choreographed and superbly executed by the girls, who displayed grace and vigour.
The day’s first event at the Central Stadium, Oppana (HS) didn’t have too many takers, either. It was another reminder that it is in the northern districts such as Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, and Kasaragod that the festival attracts much bigger crowds for many of the events.
But drama (HSS) drew a full house at the Tagore Theatre. The venue, in fact, struggled to accommodate the theatre lovers. Drama has always been a huge hit at the festival, which has produced some outstanding plays in the past. This year was no exception.
The day’s other big attraction was light music (HSS girls), another important event with a rich history. There were quite a few melodious efforts at the Swathi Thirunal Government Music College.
Bharatanathyam (HSS boys), Kuchipudi (HSS boys), Thiruvathirakali (HSS) and folk dance (HS girls) were among the day’s other popular events.
Published – January 06, 2025 12:26 am IST
