Water and Refreshment Stalls Offer Vital Relief at Thrissur School Festival
With temperatures soaring at the venues of the State School Kalolsavam in Thrissur, service stalls offering drinking water and refreshments have become a crucial source of relief. Thousands of students, teachers, and members of the public attending the festival are benefiting from these essential services.
Multiple Organizations Step Up to Meet Demand
Several organizations have set up stalls across the festival grounds to supply purified drinking water, buttermilk, and lemon juice. Local bodies, teachers' associations, and various service groups are actively participating in this effort. These stalls serve as a key support system as large crowds move between venues throughout the day.
The welfare committee of the Kalolsavam is distributing purified drinking water stored in traditional mud pots. Committee members report that more than 20,000 litres of drinking water are distributed daily to meet the high demand. Volunteers from the National School Teachers Association lead this committee. They note that demand has exceeded initial estimates, requiring officials to work extended hours to ensure an uninterrupted supply at all 25 venues.
Concerns Over Volunteer Working Conditions
However, concerns have emerged about the working conditions of volunteers. Suma K S, a member of the welfare team, highlighted the challenges. She stated that despite the heavy workload, facilities provided to committee members are inadequate. Basic arrangements such as shaded resting areas are not available for those working on the ground.
Meanwhile, the Kerala Hotel and Restaurants Association has set up a stall serving lemon juice to visitors and participants. V G Shehsadri, president of its Thrissur unit, mentioned that more than 20,000 litres of lemon juice have been distributed so far. This contribution adds to the overall relief efforts.
Additional Support from Local Agencies
Thrissur corporation has arranged buttermilk outlets at various venues, providing another refreshing option. The Kerala Fire Service Association is also involved, offering boiled drinking water to ensure safety and hydration.
Deepak K, a Class X student from Thrissur, shared his experience. He said that although the maximum temperature is 33 degrees Celsius, it feels like 40 degrees. These stalls give much-needed respite from the intense heat, making the festival more enjoyable for everyone.
The collective efforts of these organizations demonstrate a strong community response to the challenges posed by the weather. They ensure that participants can focus on the cultural and educational aspects of the Kalolsavam without worrying about dehydration or heat-related issues.
