Culinary Grandeur: Exploring the Delights of Onam Sadhya 2023

Onam, also known as Thiru-Onam or Thiruvonam, is an auspicious rice festival celebrated in Kerala. Onam Sadhya is one of the most amazing part of this festival. This year, the festival began on August 20 and will be concluded on August 31. To commemorate the homecoming of King Mahabali/Maveli, the 10-day Onam celebrations are marked with great fanfare across the state. Each day of Onam, including Atham, Chithira, Chodi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketta, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradom and Thiruvonam, is significant. Onam is one of several Indian festivals that wouldn’t be complete without food.

Onam Sadhya’s Diverse Delicacies

Sadhya is the name of the feast held on the 10th day of the annual harvest festival of Onam, also known as ‘Onam Sadhya’. This lavish vegetarian feast is known for its wide range of foods and has significant cultural and social connotations. It is the customary multi-course vegetarian feast served on a banana leaf with around 26 items. The massive feast requires preparations to begin well in advance, bringing the community together to create a memorable event. The feast includes regional specialities from all over the state, including fried snacks, many curries, pickles and desserts served with red rice.

The history of Onam Sadhya

Onam Sadhya has its roots in the mythology and history of Kerala, India. It has a tight connection to the myth of King Mahabali, a renowned king known for his generosity and righteous government. According to Hindu legend, the gods were alarmed by Mahabali’s rising strength, which prompted Lord Vishnu to manifest as Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin. Vamana asked Mahabali for the land of three paces. Vamana grew in three stages to encompass the cosmos once Mahabali gave his consent. Mahabali was permitted to go to his kingdom and people once a year at Onam as a sign of respect. The lavish welcome and feast prepared for King Mahabali’s yearly homecoming are symbolised by Onam Sadhya, which represents Kerala’s cultural cohesion and respect for its history.

From Rice and Spice to Sweet Delights in Onam Sadhya

The Onam Sadhya broadly covers all the flavour profiles – sweet, salty, sour and spicy, and uses a lot of regional ingredients, including coconut, jaggery, yams and a wide variety of lentils. The main dishes include Pappadam, Upperi, Sharkara Varatti, Inji Curry, Mango Curry, Naranga Curry, Pachadi, Olan, Ellisheri, Avial, Thoran, Chor, Parripu Curry, Chenna Mezhkkupuratti, Sambhar, Pulissery, Kaalan, Morru Kachiyatha, Kichadi, Rasam, Kootu Curry, Neyy, Inji Thayir, Poovan Pazham, Palada Pradhaman, Pazham Pradhaman.

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