Kerala is celebrating Uthradam today, the penultimate day of the ten-day Onam festival, as the state prepares to welcome Thiru Onam tomorrow.
Akashvani correspondent reports that Uthradam is not merely the eve of Thiru Onam but also a day for completing final preparations and making last-minute purchases for the festival.
The traditional Uthrada Paachil has brought markets and shopping centres across the state to life, with people making their final purchases for the celebrations.
Homes are being decorated with colourful Ona Pookkalams, while preparations are underway for the traditional Ona Sadya to be served tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the official Onam and Tourism Week celebrations began across Keralam yesterday.
The state capital Thiruvananthapuram and various districts are hosting a range of cultural and artistic programmes as part of the celebrations.
Special poojas are being held at temples, including hill shrine of Sabari Mala in Keralam.