Rising Costs Set to Spike Onam Feast Expenses in Kerala

Rapid summary

• The cost of an Onam feast in Kerala is expected to rise substantially due to skyrocketing prices of essential items like coconut oil, raw coconut, and vegetables.
• The average cost for a traditional 23-dish Onam feast prepared by caterers will be around ₹500 per person this year. bulk orders may lower the price range to ₹350-₹380 per head.
• Hotels have begun offering Onasadya packages for up to ₹999 per person, with menu customization based on customer preferences.
• According to Shahul Hameed from the All Kerala Caterers Association, raw coconut prices have risen from ₹33 last year to approximately ₹85 currently; coconut oil has surged from ₹210/litre last year to over ₹500/litre now.
• Registered caterers serve about 15 lakh feasts during Onam annually; full industry operations-including private caterers and hotels-are estimated at two-to-three times this number. Districts like Ernakulam and Thrissur lead in bookings.
• Rising costs are attributed mainly to higher ingredient prices such as vegetables, tuvar dal (parippu), etc., prompting calls for government intervention in market regulation ahead of the festival.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The increased cost of traditional feasts during Kerala’s prominent festival reflects broader economic trends impacting household expenses across India. Fueling this surge is a notable rise in key commodity prices-especially essentials such as coconuts and cooking oils-which are cornerstones of festive cuisine planning locally. This shines a spotlight on supply chain vulnerabilities and inflationary pressures that communities increasingly feel during cultural celebrations.

Onasadya’s growing popularity among nuclear families who favor ready-made meal options highlights shifting socio-economic dynamics where convenience outweighs tradition amidst busy lifestyles. While these services expand local employment opportunities within catering and hospitality industries, price sensitivity underscores affordability challenges when balanced against income instability among households.

Government intervention may moderate immediate rises but demands longer-term solutions addressing agricultural output management, price stabilization policies, or subsidy schemes targeting staple ingredients linked closely with authentic regional diets-all factors that could align consumer resilience alongside fiscal efforts sustainably.

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