In the early hours of Monday here, Palakkad emerged as the champion district at the State School Arts Festival, bringing to an end the long reign of Kozhikode.
After winning the championship for the ninth time in 2007, Kozhikode had never let go of the overall title.
In 2015, however, it was forced to share the honours with Palakkad. Both had finished with the same number of points after the final round.
This time around, Palakkad pushed Kozhikode behind by three points.
However, it was not awarded the Gold Cup that is presented to the champion, as the 59th edition of the festival was conducted on a low-key note, on account of the August floods.
There was no ceremonies, including the closing one, where the Gold Cup is presented.
Thrissur, another powerhouse at the festival, finished third, while Kannur was fourth.
