THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When the city corporation announced a first-of-its-kind festival for street vendors, the participants had high hopes. But three days into the fair, the initial excitement seems to have died down.
Vendors are upset over the low turnout as the Onam rush still seems distant.
The stalls are rather empty, especially on weekdays. The vendors have expressed discontent over the manner in which it was organized.
According to them, no sign boards are kept on Kanakakunnu grounds, the event venue, directing people to the fest.
“No matter how much the government focuses on eco-friendly products, we generally do not get profit for our products during such exhibitions,” says Kuraziya Malik, a Kudumbashree member who sells dried flower decor pieces.
Maya Devi, another vendor selling bamboo products and other handicrafts, shares similar sentiment.
“Business is now dim as schools are not yet closed for Onam. Families wait till the weekend to visit the festival,” Devi said.
Vendors are of the opinion that the date of the fest should have coincided with Onam holidays for better footfall.
Out of the 120 stalls installed, a handful are empty or booked for the weekend by vendors attending other exhibitions elsewhere.
“We expect the situation to be better over the weekend and compensate for the loss of sales over the week,” said Ivana, whose stall has high-range tea products, spices and chocolates.
“We only received Rs 20 lakh from the government, which was insufficient. We managed with additional sponsorship funds. Publicity too had to be compromised,” said Thiruvananthapuram corporation welfare chairman S Salim.
The festival will conclude on Sunday.
