Kannur claimed the golden crown at the Kerala School Kalolsavam 2026 after an exhilarating contest. The title was secured in a photo finish, with Kannur edging past reigning champions Thrissur by just five points. Thrissur, last year’s champions, settled for second place this time.

In the previous edition, Thrissur had clinched the title after a nail-biting contest, leaving Palakkad behind, while Kannur had finished third. This year, Kannur’s stunning performance turned the tables.

Actor Mohanlal is to attend the closing ceremony as the special guest.

‘Responsible Kalolsavam’

This year’s cultural festival in Thrissur was marked not by fierce competition but by a sense of responsibility. Both participants and parents carried out their roles with full commitment, and the five-day festival flowed smoothly except for one or two minor complaints.

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The organisers can take pride in the 64th Kerala School Arts Festival for prioritising responsibility alongside talent. From the participating students to parents, teachers, judges, the Chief Minister, ministers, security personnel, sanitation workers, and catering staff—all displayed complete responsibility, making this a model cultural extravaganza.

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Responsibility in conduct, food consumption, and competition—these three principles, emphasised by the Education Minister V Sivankutty, represent one of the finest milestones in the festival’s history. The only complaint came from a delay in the first day’s competitions, which was quickly resolved the next day.