ALAPPUZHA: 51st Kerala state youth festival has commenced at Alappuzha with a message of survival following the floods. 59 students lightened 59 lamps on the main stage named 'Utharaswayamvaram' starting the festival. The school where the main stage is situated was one of the relief camps during the times of floods.

Several programmes were started on 29 stages in Alappuzha. Competition in 62 events is scheduled on the first day of the festival. The events are being conducted without much celebrations in order to reduce the cost of the government. Alappuzha is set to witness the glorious festival for the next three days.