Kerala Onam liquor sales hit record Rs 771 crore in first eight days

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Liquor sales through Kerala’s state-run beverage outlets reached a record Rs 771.29 crore during the first eight days of the 10-day Onam season, surpassing sales during the same period last year, according to Excise Department officials.

The Kerala State Beverages Corporation (BEVCO) recorded sales of Rs 771.29 crore through its outlets across the state up to August 25, PTI reported, citing officials.

The figure was higher than the Rs 694.96 crore recorded during the corresponding eight-day period last year, representing an increase of about 11%.

On Uthradam, observed on August 25 and traditionally one of the busiest shopping days ahead of Thiruvonam, BEVCO outlets recorded liquor sales worth Rs 126.31 crore.

Sales on Uthradam were, however, lower than the Rs 137.64 crore recorded on the corresponding day last year, officials said.

Despite the decline in single-day sales, the cumulative figures for the first eight days remained well ahead of last year’s level.

BEVCO recorded total liquor sales of Rs 826.38 crore during the full Onam season in 2025. Officials expect this year’s overall figure to exceed that total once sales from the remaining two days are included.

Onam, Kerala’s biggest annual festival, traditionally brings a sharp increase in consumer spending, including liquor purchases, with BEVCO outlets typically reporting heavy footfall in the days leading up to Thiruvonam.