50 that would be enough for a family for a day. We have also a kit for Rs.90 and we are certain that this would be enough to meet the needs of many during the Onam days,' said Ratnakaran.

The one common thing across homes in the state on Onam is the traditional 24-course Onam lunch served on plantain leaves.

'Gone are the days when the entire 24 course is cooked. In the earlier days, families used to spend a lot of time preparing the entire course. Nowadays since we have options, we either go to any hotel serving the Onam lunch or order it from small-time caterers. The women folk can thus get rest,' said Archana Nair, a housewife in Thiruvalla.

To add to the festival flavour, the state tourism department has announced a week-long cultural programme package in the capital city where more than 4,000 artists would perform.

Superstar Mohanlal is to do a special show here on Onam day. He will be honoured on completing three decades in the film industry, Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said.

The Kerala State Beverages Corporation has stocked liquor and beer worth Rs.250 crore at all retail outlets for the festival season, during which sales peak.

However, a dampener has come in the form of the Kerala High Court directing the state government to see that they do not violate the norm of observing the first of every month as dry day.

Since the Ramadan fasting season is also on, major film releases have been postponed.