Onam rush grips Kozhikode as shopping, cultural festivities begin

With Onam just a week away, Kozhikode city is already abuzz with festive activity—most visibly marked by the unending traffic snarls on all major roads leading to the city. Onakkodi being an integral part of the celebrations, the textile shopping rush is centred around S.M. Street and Mananchira. People from across the district and neighbouring regions are also thronging the handloom fairs organised by the Khadi Gramodyog Emporium and the Industries department, in addition to malls and textile showrooms, adding to the Onam rush.

Flower markets too are in full swing ahead of the pookalams, which begin on Atham—the first day of Onam—falling on Tuesday (August 26). The wholesale flower shops at Palayam remain the main hub for the festive bloom.

The official Onam celebrations organised by the Tourism department, titled Mavelicuz, will be held from September 1 to 7 across the district, with Kozhikode beach, Lulu Mall, Beypore beach, and Sargaalaya among the key venues. For the first time, full details of the events are available on the Mavelicuz mobile application, downloadable from the Google Play Store.

While a variety of cultural programmes featuring renowned artistes from across the country are scheduled at the major venues, several smaller events are also expected to attract large crowds. These include a food festival and book fair at Kozhikode beach, a handloom festival and textile expo at Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village in Iringal, and an agri expo and flower fest at Beypore beach. A mega pookalam competition will also be staged at nearly 100 venues across the city.

Minister for Tourism P.A. Mohamed Riyas will inaugurate the celebrations on September 1 at 7 p.m. at Kozhikode beach.