The annual celebrations of Onam, Kerala’s grand and vibrant festival, began on September 6 this year and will continue until Sunday, September 15. This auspicious occasion marks both the harvest season and the return of the mythical King Mahabali. It is a time when families across the south Indian state come together to celebrate with a feast.
The 10 days of Onam festivities each hold unique significance, but the festival is truly incomplete without the iconic ‘Onam Sadhya.’
Onam Sadhya: History
Onam Sadhya represents the heart of Onam’s culinary traditions. It is a traditional multi-course vegetarian meal, showcasing around 26 dishes that come together to create a symphony of flavours.
Served on a banana leaf and typically eaten with hands, the Sadhya is an essential part of Onam, celebrating the harvest. Its origins are deeply rooted in mythology and connected to King Mahabali, a ruler famed for his generosity. The meal symbolises the grand welcome of King Mahabali’s annual return to earth.
Components of the Sadhya
The Sadhya typically consists of around 25 dishes, including Kaaya Varuthatha, which are banana chips, and Choru, or boiled rice. Another staple is Sarkara Upperi, jaggery-coated banana chips, followed by Pulinji, a tamarind and ginger chutney. There’s also Kichadi, a yoghurt-based curry made with gourd, and Chenna Varuthathu, fried yam.
For dessert, there is Paal Payasam, a milk-based sweet dish, along with Pachadi, a sweet yoghurt curry. Avial, a mixed vegetable dish cooked with coconut, is another highlight, alongside Olan, made from ash gourd and beans simmered in coconut milk. Theeyal, a spiced vegetable curry, and Kalan, another yoghourt-based preparation, are also key dishes.
In addition, the meal includes Sambar, Mor Curry, Rasam, Thoran, papad, and buttermilk, completing this traditional feast.
Onam Sadhya: Significance
Onam Sadhya not only upholds Kerala’s cultural traditions but also has health benefits. According to health experts, banana leaves contain polyphenols, a natural antioxidant. When warm food is served on the leaf, these antioxidants are absorbed into the meal, offering nutritional benefits.
Traditionally, once the meal is finished, the banana leaf is folded as a gesture of gratitude. This feast is a major component of Onam, embodying the spirit of togetherness, culture, and shared celebration. Preparations for this grand meal begin well in advance, fostering community spirit as people unite to mark the festival.
