Grand Kerala Shopping Spree

Once again, it is that time of the year when Kerala comes alive with cheer and celebration.

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Onam, Kerala's own beloved festival, will be celebrated this year in September. And as always, the run-up to the big day has turned markets, malls, and online stores into bustling hubs. Even the intermittent bouts of heavy rain have not managed to dampen the spirit of the season. Streets are crowded, shopping bags are full, and the air carries the unmistakable excitement of preparations.

The weather may have brought continuous rains, but umbrellas and puddles have done little to keep people at home. Shoppers are out in full force, their arms filled with shopping bags, their faces lit with anticipation. The scent of fresh flowers, the shimmer of new clothes, and the hum of excited conversations all signal that Kerala's biggest festival is just around the corner.

From Traditional Markets to Modern Malls Onam shopping has evolved over the years. Once upon a time, preparations meant visiting the local market to buy vegetables, flowers, and traditional attire. The focus was on kasavu sarees and mundus, and colourful flowers for the pookkalam. Today, those traditions remain, but they are joined by a growing list of modern purchases.

Households now see Onam as the perfect time to make bigger investments. A family might replace an old, or purchase a new washing machine. Kitchen appliances, smart TVs, and even furniture upgrades are common choices.

In many ways, Onam has become both a cultural and economic event. Families view purchases as a way of improving their quality of life for the coming year, blending the joy of tradition with the practicality of long-term comfort.

Textile sales hit their highest point during Onam, as gifting new clothes is a key part of the celebration. Last year, sales of home appliances and automobiles also saw a big jump.