Kozhikode: When 77-year-old Bhargavi, adorned in full bridal attire and ornaments, took the stage with the demure grace of a Manavatti (soon-to-be-married bride), 79-year-old Meenakshi, acting as her maid, could hardly contain her excitement. Checking the shine of Bhargavi’s ornaments and sharing playful jokes, the duo seemed to take everyone back to their youth.

The scene unfolded during the Oppana competition at the Vayojanolsavam festival for senior citizens, organised by the Kozhikode Corporation. Participants in this event here set aside age and physical limitations to dance and sing, spreading joy not only among themselves but also to the audience. All participants in the Oppana and Thiruvathira competitions were aged between 60 and 80. Maimoona, who trained the teams in Oppana, noted that the participants had been rehearsing for several weeks leading up to the event.

The festival, held at Kandakulam Jubilee Hall, was full of memorable moments. Eighty-two-year-old Gopalakrishnan wowed the audience by playing the keyboard while singing. Participants such as Sudhabahai, Shymalatha, Asmabi, Sumathi, Moitheen and Ratnakala were all seen celebrating with joy. For many, it was their first time performing on stage, while others drew courage and nostalgia from their student days.

On the first day of the four-day Vayojanolsavam, 165 citizens from areas under Urban 1 section, including Mankavu, Mukhadar, Payyanakkal, and Kallai, took part in various competitions. Events included Oppana, Thiruvathirakkali, couple dances, mono acts, light music, group songs, and patriotic songs.

Deputy Mayor C P Musafar Ashammed inaugurated the event, while Welfare Standing Committee Chairman P Divakaran presided. Corporation Standing Committee Chairman P K Nasar, councillors K Moitheen Koya, Omana Madhu, M C Sudha Mani, K Ramlath, CDPO Noorjahan, Meladi Narayanan, N Latha, and K Jayaraj also spoke. The festival is scheduled to conclude on September 20.