{
  "id": 3341806,
  "title": "Kochi wakes to Thiruvonam festivities",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/kochi-wakes-to-thiruvonam-festivities",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-25T20:04:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/kochi-wakes-to-thiruvonam-festivities/article71389927.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kochi will commence Onam festivities on Wednesday. Tuesday, Uthradam, saw improved weather conditions as heavy rain from the previous day largely bypassed the city, rekindling the festive atmosphere. The Uthrada Pachil, final shopping rush, turned out subdued due to the heavy rain that had occurred since the evening before. Businesses in Ernakulam market slowed down, prompting traders to reduce vegetable orders from Tamil Nadu suppliers who primarily supply Onam requirements. K.K. Ashraf, secretary of the Ernakulam Market Stall Owners Association, stated that customers had completed their purchases in advance, fearing a price surge due to the rain. The Broadway, the city's commercial area, experienced a drop in sales as well. P.A. Sageer, president of the Broadway Shop Owners Association, commented that business was initially brisk until the downpour struck on Monday evening, exacerbating traffic and parking issues. Street vendors, who had stocked up for brisk sales, faced significant losses due to the rain. Fisheries Minister V.E. Abdul Gafoor paid a visit to the Thrikkakara Vamanamoorthy Temple, which was adorned for Onam. The festival flag was transferred by Thrikkakara municipal chairperson Rashid Ullampilly to Kalamassery municipal chairperson Jamal Manakkadan. Visitors thronged the temple grounds early Tuesday, and ceremonies proceeded without interruption for the majority of the day. Temple advisory committee president V. Vineeth mentioned that preparations for the traditional votive lunch on Thiruvonam day had already commenced. The city traffic police encountered a challenging situation as large volumes of vehicles traversed the roads despite the rain and waterlogged potholes. P.M. Suneer, a police official, mentioned that they prevented unauthorized parking along roadsides and footpaths and deployed additional personnel to manage the traffic.",
  "summary": "Kochi embraces the festive spirit as Onam celebrations gather pace; Thrikkakara temple draws visitors as Onam rituals continue; traffic police deploy additional personnel as festive crowds take to roads",
  "key_points": [
    "Kochi begins Thiruvonam festivities on Wednesday",
    "Uthradam sees improved weather, rekindles festive mood",
    "Heavy rain impacts business, causes losses for street vendors"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}