Kerela sells more 'payasam' than liquor on Onam

During the Onam week, sale of'payasam' far surpassed that of alcohol in restaurants and speical outlets of state-run Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC).

Updated on: Aug 27, 2010, 13:59:55 IST

Hindustan Times | By HT Correspondent, Thiruvananthapuram

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While most hotels in Kerala do roaring alchohol business during the Onam week, sale of'payasam' far surpassed that of alcohol in restaurants and speical outlets of state-run Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC).

The total sale of a varied assortment of sweet and succelent payasams, the traditional pudding that tops the Malayalis' 'sadya',crossed Rs 50 lakh while the proceed from alcohol was comparatively much less, according to KTDC chairman Cheiryan Philip.

Apart from its branded 'navaratna' payasam, KTDC this time hit the Onam market with a wide choice of 'ada', 'palada', 'banana', vermicilli, mango and pinapple payasams. They were sold in containers through hotels, motels and special counters opened by KTDC in all towns in the state.

The response for the Onam 'sadya'(feast) arranged by KTDC hotels was also good, Philip said in a release.

Liquor sales in the state this season crossed Rs 175 crore breaking previous records, raising moral concerns from various quarters.

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