Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 2 - If skyrocketing prices were not enough to dampen the Onam festivities Wednesday, heavy rain lashing Kerala since Tuesday evening also played a spoilsport to the most important festival of the year for the Malayalis.

'The rains have been quite heavy since last night and our customary visit to the temple early morning on Thiru Onam day turned out to be a wet one. The children are upset because their new dresses all got sullied,' said Manju Nair, a housewife.

Malayalis celebrate Thiru Onam in the honour of Mahabali, the mythical king of ancient Kerala who is said to visit his subjects once in a year on this day. Onam is also the official festival of the state.

The rice in prices of essential items has been pinching the wallet of the common man. Even the mandatory banana chips, a must for any Onam meal, is seeing a dip in its popularity.

Joseph Mani, a fruit dealer, is a worried man as he had stocked 600 kg of bananas.

'I am worried as I have managed to sell only around 100 kg. Last Onam, I did not have enough stock. I am going to end up a pauper this Onam.