The Aranmula Vallasadya is a unique and grand feast held annually at the historic Sree Parthasarathy Temple in Aranmula, Pathanamthitta district. This extraordinary event spans over 60 days, allowing attendees to enjoy a lavish vegetarian meal comprising more than 60 dishes served on plantain leaves.

This feast, deeply rooted in tradition, is organized in honor of Lord Parthasarathy, the temple's presiding deity. It specifically caters to the oarsmen of the snake boats, known as Palliyodams. Recognized as the largest vegetarian feast in the world, the Vallasadya begins in the Malayalam month of Karkidakam (July-August) and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

The Vallasadya is not merely a culinary event but a ritualistic offering (Vazhipadu) by devotees to the deity. Devotees who make the offering invite the snake-boat crew to partake in the feast, creating a vibrant and dramatic atmosphere. The oarsmen, arriving in their Palliyodams, settle in traditional dining halls called Oottupura and sing Vanchipattu, traditional boat songs. Through these songs, they theatrically request specific dishes, making the dining experience interactive and joyous.

The festivities commence with the Thiruvonathoni, a Garuda-faced boat, journeying through the serene waters of the River Pamba, laden with rice, provisions, and vegetables required for the feast. Accompanied by a fleet of Palliyodams, this procession marks the beginning of the Vallasadya. Devotees donate food materials, which are then prepared as a consecrated offering to the deity and subsequently served to all attendees.

During the feast, the oarsmen sing and request dishes, which are promptly served without refusal. The menu includes an impressive variety of 63 dishes, such as parippu (lentils), pulissery, kaalan, avial, and numerous other traditional delicacies. Each dish is prepared and served in a manner that adheres to ancient customs and traditions.

The Aranmula Vallasadya is more than a culinary event; it is a cultural and communal celebration that highlights Kerala's rich heritage. It fosters a sense of unity and tradition, drawing people from diverse backgrounds to participate in this grand spectacle. This annual event offers a feast for the taste buds and the soul, harmoniously blending music, tradition, and community spirit.