Alappuzha dives into Onam spirit as festive shoppers flood markets

Fresh off the thrills and excitement of the historic Nehru Trophy Boat Race, Alappuzha has swiftly shifted gears into full festive mode. On the final Sunday before Uthradam and Thiruvonam, the town witnessed an unprecedented rush as thousands of shoppers flooded the streets, local markets, and shopping centres to make their final purchases for Kerala's biggest festival.

It was a particularly profitable day for roadside vendors, who set up temporary stalls with plastic sheets to display toys, home decor, and essential household utility items. The demand for fresh flowers and seasonal vegetables remained exceptionally high, reflecting the intense preparations for the traditional Onam sadya and intricate floral carpets. Textile showrooms recorded the highest footfalls of the season, with families lining up to buy traditional garments, while local restaurants and eateries enjoyed a massive surge in diners throughout the day.

It was not just the traditional markets that saw heavy action; home appliance and electronics retailers also reported packed showrooms, with customers rushing to capitalise on exclusive Onam discounts, special exchange offers, and attractive prize schemes. Despite being a public holiday, major arterial roads in Alappuzha experienced significant traffic congestion as vehicles crawled through busy commercial stretches. Adding to the lively atmosphere, various local cultural organisations and community clubs hosted colourful Onam events across the city, setting the perfect stage for the final countdown to Uthradappachil.