Thiruvananthapuram: In a bid to promote local food production and community involvement in agriculture, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the vegetable harvest at the Secretariat campus in Thiruvananthapuram. This initiative, titled “Onattinu Oru Muram Pachakkarikari,” encourages citizens from various walks of life to engage in vegetable cultivation, in celebration of the state’s grand Onam festival. The project was spearheaded by the state’s agriculture department to enhance food self-sufficiency and strengthen the local farming culture during the festival season.
As Onam approaches, Kerala’s local markets, especially snack shops, are witnessing a surge in business. One such shopkeeper in Kottayam shared that the fresh aroma and sight of banana chips, known locally as “Upperi,” are drawing customers in droves. For many small business owners, like a shopkeeper who migrated from the North East, Onam marks an auspicious occasion, helping them thrive in their trade, particularly with the popular sale of banana chips.
Onam, a major festival in Kerala, celebrates unity, cultural heritage, and the farming community’s efforts. This year, the festival is being celebrated from September 6 to 15, with traditional activities like Vallam Kali, Pulikali, Pookkalam, and the elaborate Sadya feast, making it a vibrant and meaningful celebration of Kerala’s agrarian roots.
