It is not called ‘Uthradappachil’ for nothing. The mad rush for grocery, vegetables, flowers, and so many other household articles on the Uthradam day is a quintessential part of celebrating Onam. And being a Sunday does not make any difference.
The Palayam market, S.M. Street, Taj Road, Vaikom Muhammed Bahseer Road, Pavamani Road and many others in the vicinity were literally turned into oceans of humanity on Sunday. Traffic was banned on the S.M. Street and nearby roads as crowds thronged the streets for last-minute purchases for Thiruvonam. Heavy rush was witnessed at Palayam market for vegetables and flowers while S.M. Street was swarming with people selecting their Onakkodis. Scores of street vendors made a fortune selling clothes, undergarments, crockery, fancy items, blankets, bed sheets, utensils, bath towels, sweets, snacks, flowers, etc.
However, rain played spoilsport throughout the day and the vendors could not display their products properly. Various organisations held Onam celebrations. Beats of Chendamelam could be heard everywhere. Artistes performing ‘pulikkali’ made occasional entry while the traditional ‘Onappottan’ was also spotted at some places.
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Various residents’ associations organised Onam celebrations in their locality. Competitions like tug-of-war and musical chair were held along the roads. Pookkalam competitions were also organised by various organisations.
Meanwhile, Onam celebrations organised by the DTPC and the district administration are going on at various locations in the city. The Kozhikode Beach, the main venue for the programmes, was packed with people despite the drizzle and rush on Sunday.