Ernakulam educational sub-district was leading the point tally in high school and higher secondary categories at the Ernakulam revenue district school arts fest that began here on Wednesday.
In the high school section, Ernakulam was leading with 163 points. Muvattupuzha and Mattancherry sub-districts were tied at 161 points each in the second place while Aluva was in the third position with 158 points when the results of 43 events were declared by evening.
In the higher secondary category, Ernakulam had won 152 points when the results of 42 events were declared. Mattancherry was in the second place with 147 points followed by Muvattupuzha (142).
Perumbavoor and North Paravur were tied at 34 points each for the first position in the Sanskrit (high school) category when the results of eight events were declared. Thripunitura was in the second place with 33 points followed by Angamaly (30). In the Arabic (high school) event, Aluva and Thripunitura were tied at 54 points each when the results of 12 events were declared. Mattancherry was in the second place with 53 points followed by North Paravur (52).
Low-key event
This edition of the fest is being held in a low-key manner without the usual fanfare following the government decision to cut expenses after the devastating floods that took a toll on the State’s economy. The organisers had decided earlier to cancel the opening and closing ceremonies. It was part of the decision by the Education Department to hold the district-level fests in a low-key manner compared to the previous years.
“We had set a moderate budget of ₹12 lakh for the event. Care has been taken to reduce expenses, wherever possible. There will be no major pandals. The expenses for the light and sound systems will be kept minimal. The number of organising committees has also been reduced to seven in view of the directive from the Director of Public Education to hold the fest without extravaganza,” said K.S. Kusumam, Deputy Director of Education, Ernakulam.
About 4, 900 students in high school and higher secondary categories will be testing their talents in 193 events.
Mohiniyattom and folk dance were the popular events on Day One of the fest. Most of the events were held at the main venue at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Ernakulam. Some of the other events held on the inaugural day included mapilapattu, kolkali, elocution, and recitation.
The organisers also promoted jackfruit by naming the 13 venues of the fest after its varieties. Some of the innovative names were thenvarikka , kuzhachakka , chembankuzha , manja madhurima , and madhuramunda .
