Taking a break from their busy study schedule, aspiring chartered accountants showcased their extra-curricular skills on Friday.

Like every year, Chartered Accounts Students' Association, Patna, in association with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) organised the Youth Festival at Bihar Chamber of Commerce.

More than 100 chartered accountancy students took part in various competitions, including drama, solo dance, group dance, instrumental, extempore, tech savvy and solo song.

The festival kicked off with an instrumental performance by the students. The played in perfect rhythm with complete control on tunes and perfect coordination.

Pravind Kumar Singh, the executive committee member of ICAI, said: 'I am overwhelmed with the way the students have performed. It is difficult for the chartered accountancy students to take time out for extra-curricular activities. This festival is a good platform where they can showcase their talents.'

In the instrumental competition, the students fused old Bollywood tracks with new ones. 'I have tried to fuse songs from the '70s with the latest tracks,' said Sourav, an ICAI student.

Another student Mona developed cold feet when her name was announced for the solo song competition. 'I got nervous after I saw the crowd. But the way they cheered me, I regained my confidence. This festival is a stress buster for us. The students should try to take part in at least one of these competitions,' she said.

The most awaited was the dance competition. The students explored various forms of dance - traditional, western classical, street dance and Bollywood. ICAI student Shruti said: 'For me, dance is a passion. I am glad that I got a platform to perform and showcase my talent.'

The group dance competition received a huge round of appreciation from the audience for the well-placed props and free-style movements. ICAI student Amit said: 'The props, steps and coordination - everything was perfect. After watching the performance, it is difficult to imagine that the participants have practiced only for 15 days.'

V. Mukund Das, the director of Chandragupt Institute of Management Patna, was the chief guest at the event.