Kerala cancels week-long Onam celebrations in wake of Wayanad disaster; Kits to be distributed

Against the backdrop of the Wayanad tragedy, the week-long programmes held as part of the Onam celebrations of the state government have been cancelled, announced Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan here on Tuesday.

“Onam is the festival of Kerala. The Onam celebration for which all sections of the people come together is a reflection of the unity and brotherhood of the land. Onam can give us energy and inspiration at this time when we need to stand together for Wayanad more than ever. This year's Onam celebration is a beautiful occasion where all human hearts come together with that message,” the Chief Minister said during a press meet here.

“This year too, the state government will distribute Onam kits, containing 13 types of food products, to the AAY ration card holders of the state under the aegis of Supplyco. An amount of Rs 36 crore is expected to be spent on this initiative, which will benefit six lakh people,” he said.

As in the previous years, Onam markets will be organised under the auspices of Supplyco to provide daily necessities at low prices during Onam. Supplyco will organise Onam fairs from September 6 at all district headquarters, and from September 10 to 14 at taluk headquarters. Necessary arrangements will be made at the fairs to market the organic vegetables procured directly from the farmers.

During Onam, measures have been taken to ensure uninterrupted availability of daily necessities at Supplyco outlets. A total of 13 items of daily use will be distributed through maveli/supermarkets at subsidised rates. Apart from this, the branded products of leading companies will be sold with attractive offers.

Consumer Fed will hold 1500 markets for a week from September 7 to 14. Out of this, 73 will be held through Triveni stores and the rest through cooperative banks. Subsidy will be given to 13 items based on the prices fixed by Supplyco. A discount of 10 to 40 percent will be available on products in Triveni.

A rebate of up to 30 percent is given on textiles to promote the sale of Khadi products in Kerala. Onam Rebate Mela is from August 8 to September 14 this year. The rebate sales will help 15,000 workers in the Khadi sector in Kerala to get continuous employment and benefits. An amount of Rs 15 crores have been allocated in this budget for rebate.

In connection with Onam, rebate sales will be held from August 23 to September 14 to benefit handloom groups and weavers working in the cooperative sector in the state.

During Onam, everything else will take place except for the celebrations led by the government. Therefore, artists and traders will not create difficulties for the common people in connection with Onam.
Coir Fed will offer a maximum discount of 23 percent on their coir products from August 5 to September 30. Maximum 50 percent discount on mattresses.

A number of 2000 farmer markets have been decided to be organised from September 11 to 14 as part of Onam. Common vegetables will be procured from farmers at a markup of 10 percent over the wholesale market price and sold at a discount of up to 30 percent below the market price. Organic vegetables will be procured from farmers at a premium of 20 percent over the wholesale market price and sold at a discount of up to 10 percent over the market price.