KOZHIKODE: This year’s Onam has been joyful on the price front. Vegetables and other essential commodities were available at reasonable rates unlike in previous years. With shops giving discounts, even the lower middle class families were able to celebrate Onam without financial strain.
Shopping reached a feverish pitch on Thursday ahead of the celebrations on Friday. The rain in the morning for almost three hours slightly dampened the — spirits of some traders , especially the roadside vendors.
All the major commercial hubs in the city, including SM street, Palayam market and Mavoor road, were overcrowded with shoppers and there were traffic blocks also. Maveli stores, Supplyco, Triveni outlets and other shops were packed with people buying essential goods.
The retail prices of cowpea and nendran banana eased to Rs 70 and '63 a kg in Palayam market.
A wholesaler said there was no shortage of vegetables and sales stood around the normal levels. Organic vegetables were in demand. “Hence we also started sourcing vegetables from within Kerala,” he said.
Kerala sarees had come with the latest designs, said Ahamed Jamal, a textile retail vendor.
Customers also bought sarees in bulk for the staff of certain colleges and schools. The handloom went for a makeover with unusual stones and designs printed on it.
