Bad roads, price rise hit Onam business

Kochi: The city residents are all set to celebrate Onam on Monday, though the high voltage shopping binge is lacking everywhere. Traders say bad roads, traffic congestion, price rise and intermittent rains have affected their business. "As most of the roads are in pitiable conditions, consumers from suburbs are reluctant to come to traditional shopping areas like Broadway and MG Road," said Sree Kumar M, a garment shop owner.  "There has been a significant decrease in the number of shoppers from other parts of the district coming to the city for Onam purchasing.” 

With schools and colleges closed for holidays on Thursday, traders are expecting crazy last-minute purchase on the weekend. But the Onam – Bakrid special fairs of Consumerfed and Supplyco, where provisions and vegetables are selling at 30 to 60 percent discount, are registering good sales. “The ready-to-eat delicacies like banana chips, payasam and pickles sold by Kudumbasree Mission units and self-help groups have many takers. Since small families prefer sumptuous Onam sadya delivered home, the caterers have a good business,” said Pradeep Kumar, a catering unit owner.

Leading hotels and restaurants offer Onam sadya on Uthradam and Thiruvonam, though the rates are higher than the previous year thanks to price escalation on essential goods and the GST. Educational institutions, government offices, private firms and residential apartments celebrated the festival with pomp and gaiety on Thursday. Meanwhile, the five-day long Onam celebrations ‘Lavanyam – 2017’ organised by the district administration will begin Friday.