Sun Jan 05 08:52:00 UTC 2025: ## Kannur Edges Ahead in Tight Race at Kerala School Arts Festival
**Thiruvananthapuram, January 5, 2025** – The 63rd Kerala State School Arts Festival is underway in Thiruvananthapuram, with a fierce competition for the coveted Gold Cup. Kannur district, the defending champion, currently holds a narrow lead with 268 points after the results of 49 events were announced halfway through the second day. Thrissur is hot on its heels with 267 points, followed closely by Palakkad and Kozhikode, both with 265 points. The host district, Thiruvananthapuram, is currently in seventh place with 244 points.
The festival, known as the world’s largest of its kind, features a diverse range of events, including Drama, Oppana, Folk Dance, Mohiniyattam, Kuchipudi, and Light Music. Performances extended late into the night on both the opening day and the second day, captivating large audiences. One particularly memorable performance was the Group Dance by Carmel HSS, a local school, which received high praise for its graceful and energetic portrayal of the star-crossed lovers Moitheen and Kanchana. The competition remains incredibly close, with the final results eagerly awaited.
First Piper 