Onam Shopping Spree: Malayalis spend crores on clothes, flowers and food

The annual Onam festival has come to an end in Kerala with a shopping spree of epic proportions. Malayalis spent a huge amount on new clothes, flowers, and food, according to traders.

The demand for new clothes is especially high, with Onam special customised sets, tissue sarees, and mural painted sarees and shirts being the stars of the market. Traders say that sales are higher than in previous years, and they expect the trend to continue in the coming days. Almost Rs 1,700 crore is the expected sales in this Onam.

The payasam (sweet) market is booming with various flavours like palada, dal, broken wheat, banana, and tender coconut being popular choices. Payasam in one-litre and half-litre packs is the most sold, with palada payasam being the most in demand.

Sadya, a traditional Kerala meal that is served on banana leaves, is also in high demand. With the decline in the trend of making sadya at home, the catering sector is the mainstay. Most sadya was served on Thiruvonam day, the most important day of the Onam season. It is estimated that around Rs 250 crore-worth of food is served in a single day.

The high cost of flowers is another major factor driving up spending. Marigolds, aster flowers and others are in high demand, and the price has risen by Rs 100-300 per kg. Plastic flowers are also available on the market for those who cannot afford to pay more.

Banana chips cost around Rs 300-400 per kg. The cost will increase according to the brand and packaging. Other packaged items are also in huge demand. Retailers said there was a 30 per cent increase in demand this year compared to last season.

In addition to the items mentioned above, other popular Onam purchases include gold jewellery, home appliances, and electronics. The overall festive mood has led to a surge in business activity in Kerala.