Thiruvananthapuram: With less than a month to go for Onam, the Kerala government has announced that free Onam kits will be distributed from August 10 to 20 to more than six lakh beneficiaries, while unveiling a ₹448 crore festival package aimed at preventing a spike in the prices of essential commodities.

Announcing the measures on Wednesday, Chief Minister V D Satheesan said the package is designed to ensure that families across the state can celebrate Onam without facing the burden of rising food prices.

Of the total allocation, ₹273 crore has been earmarked for market intervention to stabilise the prices of essential commodities during the festive season. Another ₹154 crore has been set aside as a paddy procurement bonus, a move intended to support farmers while ensuring an adequate supply of food grains.

The government will distribute more than six lakh free Onam kits, each containing 16 essential food items, to yellow ration card holders and residents of welfare institutions. The distribution will take place from August 10 to August 20, ahead of Thiruvonam, which falls on August 26 this year.

To prevent shortages during the festival rush, the state has also ensured adequate stocks of rice and wheat in the market. In addition, Onam mega trade fairs and special markets will be organised across districts, enabling consumers to purchase essential items at affordable prices.

With festival shopping expected to gather pace in the coming weeks, the government said the combined measures are aimed at supporting households, protecting consumers from price fluctuations and ensuring smooth availability of essential food items during Kerala's biggest festival.

With PTI inputs