Kozhikode: The nook and corner of Kerala is moving fast to prepare for celebrating its national festival Onam. Many of the business firms have come forward with new schemes to attract customers. Household goods, Dress materials, Ready-mades, Handicrafts, Furnitures, Electronic goods etc are all on offer. Gifts and Raffles attract customers to Onam shopping too.

Exhibition cum sale of Khadi board and Surabhi handicrafts have marked heavy rush at Calicut. Street hawkers are also testing their luck by introducing various products in and around Mananchira and other parts of this historic city.

A Pookkalam - Households showcase such Pookkalam's during Onam.

TV, Refrigerator, Washing Machine, Music systems etc will have huge sale at Onam market said one of the major dealers of Calicut city. Many electronic dealers have arranged special counters to avoid heavy rush. Automobile dealers are also looking for a great boost in their sale. The major Maruthi dealers and Hero Honda dealers have introduced attractive schemes and Onam gifts.

One of the important aspects of modern Onam is that celebrations are becoming more and more market oriented. It has lost its past glory and genuineness of rural beauty. The difference between village and cities are becoming narrower. The values of olden days have been ruined. Even the sight of children plucking flowers since Atham day is gradually becoming a rare nostalgic memory for old generation.

Flowers are bought from the market instead of collecting from around the village. Hence, part of the thrill in making of Pookkalam is lost. Nevertheless the sun shining in Chingam gives every Malayalee a sort of expectation for a better tomorrow. The harvest festival of Malayalee attracts many foreign tourists to Kerala to spot its scenic beauty and cultural heritage.

Boat races during the Onam days, special competitions, Athachamayam, Pulikkali etc also mark the Onam festival. Malayalam Visual media introduces many special Onam programs to attract their viewers. Many news channels have come into existence and there is cut throat competition in the field. Film stars are major attraction in the TV shows. All India Radio has begun their days long Onam celebrations. AIR paid tributes to the past writers and many cultural programs are launched during this period. Clubs and cultural forums in and around city are organizing various entertainment to celebrate the festival of oneness.