Uthradapaachil, the Onam shopping

Video of Uthradapaachil or the grand shopping during Onam festival in Kerala, India.

Uthradam is the day before Thiruvonam, the most important day of the festival. Across the state, heavy rush is witnessed at shops and markets on this day. Paachil in malayalam means rush and hence shopping on this day is called Uthradapaachil.  

Onam, the ten-day national festival of Kerala is a time when the whole state bustles with activities. Festivities and shopping starts even weeks before the festival.

Trade fairs and special Onam markets called Onachandas are conducted in all big and small towns in the state. Apart from groceries for the sadya or traditional feast, ready wear clothes, footwear, bags and other household items are sold in these markets.