Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala State Beverages Corporation (Bevco) outlets witnessed massive crowds on Thursday, Uthradam day, as shoppers stocked up ahead of Thiruvonam on Friday, when all beverage outlets will remain closed.

Record sales expected this Onam

Kerala recorded Rs 124 crore in liquor sales on Uthradam last year, up from Rs 116 crore in 2023. Total liquor sales during last year’s Onam reached Rs 818.21 crore, a figure expected to rise this year. In the nine days leading to Uthradam last year, Bevco sold liquor worth around Rs 701 crore.

Bevco officials anticipate record-breaking liquor sales this Onam season, particularly on Uthradam. However, final sales figures for this season are yet to be released.

Beverage outlets to close on festive days

Beverage outlets in Kerala will remain closed on September 7 for Sree Narayana Guru Jayanti and on September 21 for Sree Narayana Guru Samadhi Day, apart from Thiruvonam on Friday.

The state operates 278 Bevco outlets and 155 self-service outlets under the Excise Department.