Kerala School Kalolsavam 2023: A cultural extravaganza that had something to offer for all segments

The 61st edition of the State School Arts Festival gave participants and audience moments to cherish, be it performances, the excitement at venues or variety of Malabari food

January 06, 2023 09:28 pm | Updated January 07, 2023 06:51 pm IST - KOZHIKODE

Michel and Rosie from Germany had a good time at the Zamorin’s Ground at Thali watching Bharatanatyam (HS girls) at the 61st edition of the State School Arts Festival in Kozhikode on Thursday.

Michel and Rosie from Germany had a good time at the Zamorin’s Ground at Thali watching Bharatanatyam (HS girls) at the 61st edition of the State School Arts Festival in Kozhikode on Thursday. | Photo Credit: K. Ragesh

As the curtain comes down on the 61stKerala School Kalolsavam, the State School Arts Festival, on Saturday, it also marks the finale of five-day long revelry and celebrations for many.

For contestants, audience, and residents, the festival was nothing short of an extravaganza as the grand-scale cultural gala offered something for all segments. “The best part about this year’s festival is its participation. Since the event is returning after a couple of years, the excitement is quite palpable. Not just participants, but audience also seem to be in a celebratory mood,” says V. Megha, a student from neighbouring Malappuram.

Also read | Asia’s yes, but is Kerala School Kalolsavam world’s biggest arts festival of school children?

Response

Shweta Satheesan from GHSS, Panamattam, Kottayam, who at the second venue with her handicrafts, is delighted about the response her art is getting. “Though I want to go out and watch some events, the stall is always busy, there is good demand for many items,” she says.

Capt. Vikram Maidan, the main venue of the 61st State School Arts Festival in Kozhikode, was overpacked on Friday, with people from different parts of the district flowing to the venue, especially since it was a holiday for schools.

Capt. Vikram Maidan, the main venue of the 61st State School Arts Festival in Kozhikode, was overpacked on Friday, with people from different parts of the district flowing to the venue, especially since it was a holiday for schools. | Photo Credit: K. Ragesh

Sheriff, an auto driver from Palayam, says he has been working extra hours for the past five days. “The crowd is incredible, but it is also fun,” he says. He adds that the never-ending traffic snarls are a huge headache, but they are doing as much as they can. “We work till 12 midnight, and though we know about the traffic blocks, we are cordial with the riders, refusing to take them only if the situation is too bad. After all, auto drivers in Kozhikode have a reputation to maintain,” he laughs.

A team for mime competition (HSS) arriving at the town hall in an autorickshaw on Friday.

A team for mime competition (HSS) arriving at the town hall in an autorickshaw on Friday. | Photo Credit: K. Ragesh

Sulthana from Cheruvadi says she has been taking daily trips to the city to watch various events. “We are a group of eight women, all of us homemakers. We watched most of the dance items, ghazal, and mimicry. We enjoyed every bit of it including the frantic runs from venue to venue. We don’t want this to end,” she says.

The team of RHSS, Konni, Pathanamthitta, performing group dance (HSS) at the State School Arts Festival in Kozhikode on Friday.

The team of RHSS, Konni, Pathanamthitta, performing group dance (HSS) at the State School Arts Festival in Kozhikode on Friday. | Photo Credit: Sakeer Hussain 

Malabar cuisine

Sreebhadra and family are wonder-struck seeing the variety of Malabari food, and she says they have been checking out all the famous places during the past few days. “There is no wonder Kozhikode is considered the food capital of Kerala. Most items we tasted here are not even available in Varkala where we live. Also, the hospitality of the people is no hype, they are very nice,” she adds.

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