Kottayam: The crunch of upperi and the sweetness of sharkara varatti are getting more expensive this Onam, with rising banana and coconut oil prices pushing up production costs.
A staple of the Onam sadya and festive season, these traditional banana chips continue to see strong demand despite the price increase in Kottayam.
The rise in banana prices has been linked to crop damage caused by heavy rains and floods in several areas. Lower supplies have further pushed up prices, adding to the cost of making both upperi and sharkara varatti.
For chip makers and sellers, the increase in raw material costs has translated into higher prices for consumers. Yet, the demand for the traditional coconut-oil-fried snacks remains strong as the Onam season gets underway.
For many shoppers across Kerala, an Onam celebration feels incomplete without a packet of crispy upperi and sweet, jaggery-coated sharkara varatti.
Even as prices climb, the festive favourites continue to hold their place on the Onam shopping list.