Kollam: The five-day State School Kalolsavam concluded on Monday with Kannur district emerging as the winner in the mega event. Kannur secured the coveted gold cup of 117.5 sovereigns after a long wait of 23 years. This is the district's fourth win at the fest. 

While Kannur secured 952 points, Kozhikode followed closely behind with 949 points. Palakkad emerged third with 938 points. Score levels of other districts are given below:

Thrissur 925
Malappuram 913
Kollam 910
Ernakulam 899
Thiruvananthapuram 870
Alappuzha 852
Kasaragod 846
Kottayam 837
Wayanad 818
Pathanamthitta 774
Idukki 730
See detailed Score card here.

Among schools, BSS Gurukulam Higher Secondary school  from Palakkad's Alathur emerged first with 249 points. It was followed by Carmel Higher Secondary School in Thiruvananthapuram's Vazhuthacaud (116 points)

As many as 12,107 students competed in 239 events in this edition of the school cultural extravaganza. While 1,001 students represented Kozhikode, the honour of presenting the most number of competitors went to the BSS Gurukulam Higher Secondary School at Alathoor in Palakkad.

The concluding ceremony will be held at the main venue at Ashramam Ground at 5 pm. The Leader of the  Opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly, VD Satheesan, will inaugurate the event, which will be chaired by Minister KN Balagopal. Movie star Mammootty will be the chief guest.

The Malayala Manorama's gold medal for outstanding performance in the Malayalam language will be presented at the event.

Minister lauds Kollam

General Education Minister V Sivankutty said no complaints have been raised so far regarding the Kalolsavam. Kollam can take pride in conducting the grand fest, he said. All sub-committees - transport, food, accommodation, and organisation - performed like a well-oiled machine. 

As many as 205 personalities, who have proved their talent in various events, judged the competition. The Kalolsavam attracted a huge number of people as well, he said.

Venue for next Kalolsavam?
Sivankutty said the venue for the next Kalolsavam will not be announced now. Several districts have come forward to host the mega event. A few MLAs, too, have recommended some districts. The venue will decided only after considering all relevant factors, the minister said.

Manual to be revised
The manual of the Kalolsavam, framed years ago, will be modified this year, Sivankutty said. It will take about seven months, and a draft will be prepared. Those associated with the Kalolsavam and journalists could make suggestions to modify the manual. The minister added that the Kalolsavam 2024-25 will be held based on the new manual.

570 appeals
As many as 570 appeals have been approved at the district level. Of the total appeals, 359 were routed through the district directors of education, and 211 were forwarded by courts of law. The previous edition of the Kalolsavam saw 362 appeals.

Of the 160 appeals on completed events received, 138 have been settled. 

12,107 students competed
The Kalolsavam saw 12,107 students competing in various events. The Kozhikode district had the most number of participants, 1001 students, while Idukki had the least number of students: 715.

The BSS Gurukulam Higher Secondary School at Alathoor in Palakkad had the highest number of competitors.

Chavittu Nadakam wows Australian students
The colourful costumes and the energetic movements of Chavittu Nadakam caught the attention of two Australian siblings, Issac Goldings and Louis Goldings. The graduate students attended the Higher Secondary competition along with their Malayali classmates. They were enthralled by the performances.

Koodiyattam safe with Parippally school
Parippally ASHSS once again proved Koodiyattam is safe in its hands. It continued its two decades winning streak in the competition in Kollam also. Gaurinanda, Mohitha, Sreenanda, Sana Najeeb, Abhirama, Prarthana, and Sreelakshmi won the A grade in the Higher Secondary School category, while Anshawara, Nila Jagadeesh, Adithya, Meera, Akamksha, Shritha, and Shwetha won the laurels in the High School category.

Painkulam Narayanan Chakyar trained both teams.

The mellifluous flute
Adeep Peter Denzil, nephew of flutist Josy Alappuzha, won the A grade in flute in Kollam. The Vrindavadyam team, which Adeep led, too, won the A grade. Coached by Josy, Addep is the son of Denzil Jose and Priya of Polleparambil in Alappuzha.