All fair-price shops in Tamil Nadu will work on Sunday, October 18, so families can collect their supplies before the Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami holidays. Shop staff get November 21 off in return.
All fair-price shops in Tamil Nadu will work on Sunday, October 18, so families can collect their supplies before the Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami holidays. Shop staff get November 21 off in return.
All fair-price (ration) shops in Tamil Nadu will stay open on Sunday, October 18, 2026, the state Food Department has ordered. The shops are normally closed on Sundays. They are opening this time so that families can collect their monthly rice, sugar and other supplies before the Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami holidays on October 19 and 20.
Many families buy their monthly ration in the days just before a festival. With two holidays coming back to back, keeping the shops open on Sunday spreads out the rush and means no one has to wait until after the festival for their supplies.
From this weekend, fine rice is being sold at ₹30 a kilo (up to 5 kg per person) and toor dal at ₹130 a kilo at Amudham outlets and cooperative stores, to ease rising prices — read the full story ›
Secretariat sources say Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is considering a free Diwali grocery kit for ration-card holders, similar to the Pongal gift hamper. The Finance Department has reportedly been asked to estimate the cost. Reports expect cooking oil, pulses, rava and maida for festival snacks, but the items, cost and method of distribution have not been decided. No official announcement has been made yet. VettriThalapathy will report the details when the government announces them.
Ration Shops Food Department Ayudha Puja Festival Public Distribution Day 161