Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 24 (IANS) Kerala’s Onam mood is at its peak, but the weather threatened to play spoilsport, with a strengthening low-pressure area over the northwest Bay of Bengal likely to bring heavy rain to several parts of the state through the festival days.
With First Onam falling on August 25 and Thiruvonam, the biggest day of the celebrations, on August 26, followed by Third and Fourth Onam, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rainfall in several districts over the coming days.
Eight districts are under a yellow alert on Monday: Kasaragod, Kannur, Thrissur, Idukki, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam.
The alert will continue in three districts on Tuesday, while weather conditions are expected to remain unsettled in several parts of the state.
The timing has raised concerns as the state gears up for the high point of the Onam season.
Streets, markets and shopping centres have been bustling with festival activity, while families are making preparations for the traditional Onam feast and celebrations.
Public events, cultural programmes and gatherings are also scheduled across the state during the festival period.
The weather department has, however, not issued a rain warning for Thiruvonam at present.
Authorities are keeping a close watch on the evolving weather system, particularly as the festival enters its most important phase.
The rain threat is accompanied by a warning along the coast.
Fishing has been completely banned along the Kerala and Lakshadweep coasts in view of the possibility of heavy rain and strong winds.
The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has also warned of the possibility of coastal inundation under the Kallakkadal phenomenon.
Waves between 0.9 and 1.3 metres are expected along the Kerala coast until 11.30 p.m. on Monday.
Coastal residents and tourists have been advised to exercise extreme caution.
Beach visits and sea-based recreational activities have been discouraged until the warning is withdrawn.
Fishing vessels have also been advised to remain safely anchored in harbours.
For Kerala, where Onam is as much a public celebration as a family festival, the coming days will therefore be a balancing act between festive cheer and weather caution.
The skies may be overcast, but the Onam spirit is unlikely to be dampened.
The big question now is whether the rain will allow Kerala to celebrate its biggest festival outdoors or force much of the festivities indoors.
–IANS
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