Aluva steals the show as Ernakulam Revenue Youth Festival  begins on a bumpy note

Muvattupuzha, the land of rivers, swung into a festive mood as the 30th edition of the Ernakulam Revenue Youth Festival kicked off at 17 venues on Wednesday.
The team of St Philomena’s School, Koonamavu, which bagged the first prize in band competition high school category | Express
The team of St Philomena’s School, Koonamavu, which bagged the first prize in band competition high school category | Express

MUVATTUPUZHA : Muvattupuzha, the land of rivers, swung into a festive mood as the 30th edition of the Ernakulam Revenue Youth Festival kicked off at 17 venues on Wednesday.As students showcased their talents at the fest, the rhythm of music, dance and drama reverberated around the city.The four-day cultural extravaganza staged across 17 venues will see more than 11,000 students vying for top honours in 333 categories. Unlike last year, almost all the venues witnessed performances on the first day itself. Events such as chavvittunadakam, bharathanatyam, drama and percussion were staged on the first day itself.

Meanwhile, the organisers drew flak from several quarters. While some complained about the distance between the venues as a major hurdle, parents cited unscientific arrangements at the venues as another issue. “Items such as Akshara slokam cannot be performed in a classroom, but they have organised the event in a classroom. Interestingly, the Sanskrit quiz was held on a stage. The confusion might not have arrived if those conducting the events had prior experience,” said Rathi, a school teacher who accompanied her daughter.

During the percussion event, some parents alleged that the organisers were keeping the names of judges a secret.When the curtains came down on the first day of the fest, last year’s runners-up Aluva were on top with 52 points, followed by Thrippunithura (50 points). Though last year’s winners North Paravoor started the fest on a high note, they were pulled down to third spot with 49 points.

After day one, a total of seven appeals were received by the appeals committee. While one appeal was received in the higher secondary category, six appeals were made in the high school category.The festival was formally inaugurated by Muvattupuzha MLA Eldho Abraham during a function held at the Town Hall. MLA V P Sajeendran, municipal chairperson Usha Sasisdharan, block panchayat president Mary Baby and deputy director of Education C A Santhosh also attended the function.

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