The Kalolsavam effect: How local shops are thriving amidst the festivities

For local vendors like Suraj, Sivan, and Siraj, this grand celebration brings more than just festive cheer—it brings a flood of customers, a boost to their business, and a sense of pride in being part of the communal pulse of the Kalolsavam.

Suraj’s all-in-one shop: A hub for the busy Kalolsavam crowd

For Suraj, a small business owner in Thiruvananthapuram, Kalolsavam has transformed his humble shop into a thriving hotspot. His shop, a unique blend of a tea stall, Xerox service, and convenience store, has become a lifeline for festival-goers. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a hot cup of coffee, get a last-minute copy, or enjoy a refreshing lime juice during a midday break.

A year ago, Suraj transitioned from running a quiet bookstall to creating this multi-functional space. “The sales at the bookstall were really low. I thought of doing something that people need more,” Suraj explains. “There is no other shop in the area with this combination.” His instinct was spot-on, as the shop now sees a steady stream of visitors—from early morning tea drinkers to afternoon snackers.

“Before Kalolsavam, we were getting about 100 visitors a day. But now, over 300 people come through our doors,” says Suraj, his eyes lighting up. “We stocked up on everything in anticipation, especially food. Lime juice, in particular, is flying off the shelves. In the middle of the day, the place is packed.”

Despite the surge in business, the festival has come at a personal cost for Suraj and his wife, Sandhya. “We were really excited when we found out Kalolsavam was happening in Thiruvananthapuram. But now, our shop is so crowded that we haven’t had a chance to visit the venues at all,” Suraj admits, a tinge of regret in his voice. “We managed to take a quick tour on Sunday evening, but we’ve been so caught up in the shop that we can’t get away.”

Even with the overwhelming rush, there’s a deep sense of fulfillment in their work. Sandhya smiles and adds, “By the end of the day, we’re drained. But this crowd? This is what we need. We’re grateful for it.”

Suraj with his wife Sandhya and their son Amrithanand

Their son, Amrithanand, may not fully understand the frenzy around him, but his parents cherish the opportunity to work hard together for a brighter future.

Vinu and Sivan: Serving the children, with love

In a quieter corner of Thiruvananthapuram, inside a school hosting Kalolsavam competitions, Sivan and his wife Vinu run a small shop that has also seen a surge in foot traffic. As the school hosts competitions in classrooms and the buzz of excitement fills the air, the shop becomes the go-to place for a warm breakfast or an afternoon snack. The aroma of pathiri, kozhukatta, dosa, and curry fills the air as the kitchen prepares for the day’s rush.

“We’ve had this shop for a few years now,” says Vinu, her face beaming with warmth. “Before, we had a canteen down there, but this shop is busier, and it’s been wonderful to watch it grow.”

Her husband, Sivan, adds with palpable enthusiasm, “With Kalolsavam here, we’re serving more than 500 people daily now—up from just 200 before. The morning rush is incredible. Parents dropping their kids off for competitions come in for tea, and the committee organizers are in and out just for quick snacks.”

Though the increased business has been a blessing, the couple faces a challenge in witnessing the very festival they help sustain. “We open the shop at 5 am, and by 6:30, people are already lining up,” Vinu explains. “We work until 8 pm, and it’s non-stop. We don’t have children of our own, so serving the children here gives us a special joy. We love to watch them pass by, even if we can’t see the competitions themselves.”

Sivan and his wife Vinu at their stall

Sivan, 67, reflects with longing in his voice: “Kalolsavam wasn’t as prominent when I was a child, so now, it’s our chance to witness it. But the shop keeps us so busy that we don’t even get a moment to step outside. We’re not complaining—we need the business.”

Despite the hectic pace, there’s a deep sense of fulfillment in their work. “It brings us joy just to be here, surrounded by the energy of the festival and the children,” says Vinu. “This is our way of being a part of it.”

A small juice shop, big dreams

Just outside the Central Stadium, where the heart of Kalolsavam beats strongest, there’s a modest juice stall run by Siraj. While competition from nearby vendors is fierce, the couple’s orange juice stall, which serves pure pulp juice with no added water, has seen a surprising uptick in customers.

“Usually, not many people come here,” says Geena, Siraj’s wife, as her hands deftly squeeze fresh oranges. “We get about 50 customers a day. But since Kalolsavam, the numbers have definitely gone up. So, I’ve come to help him.”

Siraj and his wife Geena at their juice stall

Geena and Siraj, who don’t have children of their own, live with Siraj’s sister’s family. Though the stall is small, it is their only source of income, and they hold onto the hope that one day they will be able to afford a home of their own.

“We’ve been living with his sister’s family for years,” Geena shares softly. “It’s not easy, but we’re doing our best. This shop, though small, is everything to us. We’re hopeful for a better tomorrow.”

Siraj echoes her sentiment, adding, “We may not have children, but we love being part of the Kalolsavam experience. We see so many kids here, and it feels like we’re helping them have a good time.”

Small vendors, big impact

Suraj, Sivan, and Siraj are just a few of the many vendors whose lives have been transformed by Kalolsavam. For them, the festival is not just about business; it’s about being part of a community and celebrating the energy and joy that come with the event.

Whether it’s a lime juice to cool down from the midday heat or a warm snack after a long day of competitions, these small businesses are the unsung heroes of the festival, offering sustenance, comfort, and a sense of belonging to everyone who passes by.

For these vendors, Kalolsavam is more than just a local event. It’s an opportunity to thrive, to connect with the community, and to be part of something larger than themselves.

Their stories remind us that behind every bustling shop and busy counter, lives are being shaped by the joy and energy of the festival. And in that shared spirit, the true essence of Kalolsavam shines brightly.