The heavy rain that lashed the city on Monday morning dampened the Onam spirit and spoiled the last-minute celebration plans of many. With heavy traffic snarls developing on major roads, officegoers and commuters found it difficult to reach their destinations. The major commercial areas in the city like Broadway and MG Road too faced a similar situation.
Leading to the inconvenience of the commuters were the wayside parking of vehicles and the heavy rush caused by people from far and near flocking to wayside vendors to make their purchases.
With the onset of Onam, the wayside vendors who have encroached upon most of the footpaths are wooing the pedestrians like never before. Rain or shine, the Onam market was active on Monday too.
“There is a huge demand for gents wear this season. A majority of them are opting for linen shirts. Kasavu dhothi, casuals and partywear too are in great demand,” said Rupesh, a salesman with one of the leading textile showroom in the city.
Among the ladies garments, Kerala sari is a statement of elegance. The handloom goes for a grand makeover this year sporting unusual motifs, stone and zardosi work, brocade and ethnic prints.
Compared to previous years, the rage this season is brocade. Brocade boarders, applique work done in brocade and brocade blouses are in.
The price range varies between Rs 1,500 and Rs 4,000 depending on the work pattern. Rare and elegant prints like ‘alilakrishnan’ and ‘odakuzhal’ are also the hits of the season. “Flower or peacock feather motifs strewn all over the pallu make perfect festive wear. Another thing that never goes out of fashion is checks. Kerala saris with zari check boarders have many takers,” says Beena, a shop assistant.
Meanwhile, the wayside vendors too are having a good time with many people going for the shirts and churidars offered by them at a cheap price ranging between Rs 100 and and Rs 200. Umbrella market too has become active during the season.
Government Fairs
The government initiatives which offer vegetables at a lower price are attracting huge crowds. The Onam fair set up by Triveni, Supplyco and Co-operative Societies too are a source of relief to the common man.
Onam Spread
Catering services too are busy preparing Onam menu for the Onasadhya. The normal charges levied by the catering services for Onasadhya per person is between Rs 100 and Rs 150. The sadhya includes the cost of plantain leaf and over 20 varieties of dishes including payasam. The leading hotels in the city are also offering Onasadhya on Thiruonam Day.
To sweeten the Onam celebrations a variety of payasams are also available in hotels and bakeries. Separate counters for payasams have come up in different parts of the city. Banana chips, sarkaravaratty, unniyappam and ada are being made in many payasm counters which have many takers.
Flower Market
The flower market is dominated by Tamil Nadu vendors. Flowers like Vadamalli, Kanakambaram, Jamanthy, Arali and Jasmine are most sought after. Rose, Vella Jamanthy, Kozhi Valan Poo and Cyprus leaves are also in the market. The price of Arali and Rose varies between Rs 80 and Rs 100 a kilo, while Jamanthy and Vadamally are priced at `150 and Rs 250 per kilogram respectively.
Making jasmine floral designs a luxury item, the flower is priced at Rs 600 to Rs 800 per kilogram.
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