Onam shoppers throng Pazhavangadi in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. | Photo Credit: S MAHINSHA
While the city received a slight downpour in the early morning hours, the climate improved later on, paving for a festive mood.
Onam frenzy in the State capital reached its crescendo on Uthradam day on Sunday as the traditional ‘Uthradapachil’ witnessed huge crowds that poured into the streets for a last-minute shopping spree.
Along expected lines, the Chalai bazaar witnessed the greatest rush as numerous people jostled each other and went in search for the items they required to satiate their desire for a fulfilling Onam. The presence of the crowd made it virtually impossible for goods-laden heavy vehicles to traverse along the narrow roads of the market place.
While the city received a slight downpour in the early morning hours, the climate improved later on, paving for a festive mood. There were several takers for the wide range of products offered by wayside traders as they cost marginally lower that those that were sold elsewhere.
“The implementation of the GST resulted in the prices of many commodities going up. The lower rates that prevailed for the same items at these stalls have come as a relief for many of us,” says Siddique of Manacaud. The flower stalls at Chalai and other places including the Palayam market witnessed brisk business as several people made a beeline for the most sought-after varieties including marigold, jasmine and ‘vadamali’ (gomphrena) that have come to be known as essential components of the Onam ‘pookkalams.’
The marked increase in price rise of vegetables in recent times has created much concern among the public. The intervention that was made by government-run agencies including Horticorp and Supplyco has brought much relief for the common man.
[“Source-thehindu”]