Vadakara, a coastal town in Kerala’s Kozhikode district, is preparing to bring back the timeless charm of its local markets with a new Sunday market initiative. The project, spearheaded by the Vyapari Vyavasayi Samithi in partnership with the people’s collective and the municipality, aims to revive the spirit of the once-famous Tuesday market a cultural and commercial hub that had faded over the years.
A New Pulse for Local Trade
The Sunday market, scheduled to be inaugurated on October 26 at 3 PM by Municipal Chairperson K. P. Bindu, will be held along Queens Road in Vadakara. Organizers envision bustling streets filled with vendors offering unique goods not commonly found in the city’s regular stores farm produce, artisanal crafts, local delicacies, and traditional products. The initiative’s primary goal is to boost the weekend economy, draw local visitors and tourists, and create spaces where community interactions can flourish. A reception committee has been formed to manage logistics and promotions, with local leaders including E. Narayanan Nair, A. P. Haridasan, Rajith Karatt, and K. M. Balakrishnan among the coordinators.
Merchants Voice Concerns
However, not everyone in Vadakara’s trading community is enthusiastic. The Merchants’ Association, operating under the Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi, has voiced firm opposition to the plan. They argue that Vadakara already has sufficient retail outlets catering to daily and weekly needs, and an additional market could disturb the existing balance of trade. According to the association, such markets might undermine established retailers who comply with GST obligations and business overheads, since informal vendors often operate with fewer expenses. They have suggested limiting Sunday market permissions to traditional roadside sellers, preserving the fair’s grassroots identity without impacting licensed traders.
A Clash of Commerce and Tradition
A meeting chaired by M. Abdul Salam saw members including M. P. Majeesh Kumar, P. K. Ratheesh, Ranjith Kallatt, and V. K. Muhammadali call for unity among established traders to resist the project unless revisions are made. This disagreement underscores a wider tension seen across India how to promote inclusive local economies that support both traditional markets and modern businesses.
Looking Forward
An investor awareness program by Ben Finesks was held in Kozhikode today as part of state-level events across Kerala. Meanwhile, isolated incidents such as a child rescued from a locked dressing room and heavy rains affecting village roads have also been reported from the district.
Read more at: https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2025/10/21/vadakara-sunday-market.html
