State School Arts Festival begins with flag-hoisting

Kannur: The 57th edition of Kerala State School Arts Festival got formally opened with the hoisting of the flag by K.V Mohan Kumar IAS, Director of Public Instruction, the General Education Department, on Monday morning.

Over 12,000 students would contest in 232 events to be staged in 20 venues as part of the fest.

Known as 'school kalolsavam' and 'yuvajanotsavam' in local parlance, the annual event features competition of a number of art forms, including many traditional ones of the state like Kathakali music, Mohiniyattom, Aksharaslokam, Margomkali, Kuchipudi, Yakshaganam, Chavittunatakam and Duffmuttu.

Significantly, this year’s 'Kerala School Youth Festival' will be held under the scanner of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau this year, as part of CPI(M)-led LDF government's "zero tolerance to corruption" policy.

The move comes following frequent complaints from participants on "irregularities and favouritism by judges" at the art festival, known for its immense participation of students and a variety of art forms showcased.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has instructed Vigilance Director Jacob Thomas to strictly monitor the conduct of the festival and judgements of the events to ensure transparency and avoid any kind of foul play in the results.

The overall winning revenue district would be presented with the 'ever-rolling golden cup' at the finale of the week-long gala which would come to a close on January 22.