Shifting of Onam fair venue kicks up a row in Keralam’s Kozhikode

The shifting of the venue of the Supplyco Onam Mega Trade Fair from the Kozhikode beach to another place in the city has kicked up a political controversy.

According to sources, the fair, which began on August 9 at a 4,000 sq. ft facility at the beach, was abruptly declared closed through an official announcement on Friday (August 21, 2026). The announcement just said that it would conclude on August 22. However, it was later reported that the decision came against the backdrop of a request from the District Tourism Promotion Council that had sought the venue to conduct Onam celebrations. Thereafter, the authorities issued another release on Saturday (August 22, 2026), saying that the fair would continue at the Supplyco’s People’s Bazaar outlet near the moffusil bus stand from Sunday (August 23, 2026).

All subsidised and non-subsidised items available at the trade fair would be available at the People’s Bazaar too, the release said.

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (CPI) district committee came out against the shifting of the venue. CPI district secretary P. Gavas and assistant secretary P.K. Nasar said on Saturday that a large number of people depend on the fair for their Onam purchases. To change its venue to make way for Onam celebrations was condemnable. The earlier plan was to conduct the fair till August 25.

They claimed that the initial order issued by the District Collector did not have any reference to alternative arrangements. However, after objections arose from various quarters, a decision was hurriedly taken to shift it to People’s Bazaar, the CPI leaders said.