In Kerala, the 24 hour general strike called by major trade unions turned out to be a virtual bandh. Industries, shops and business establishments are shut since midnight on Monday. While educational institutions remained closed, government offices recorded very thin attendance. Except few private vehicles, transport remained off the road. However, no untoward incident has been reported from anywhere in the state. Malappuram district has been excluded from the strike due to the hooch tragedy. Life is also normal in Kottayam district thanks to a Christian festival.