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It is the mother of all feasts, one fit for the Gods! For Keralites, Onam festival is never complete without the grand, three-course, traditional vegetarian lunch called Onasadya. Though the Sadya is a traditional feast, served during celebrations or social occasions in Kerala, the ideal time to experience this banquet is during the ceremonial celebratory occasion of Onam festival!
Served on a plantain leaf, the grand meal comprises over 40 vegetarian dishes, including parboiled pink rice, side dishes, savouries, pickles and desserts. The Onasadya refers to the sumptuous meal served on the Thiruvonam day, one of the most auspicious days in the festive season. The meal is an important part of the festival and follows a strict discipline with regard to the order in which the curries are served. There is a protocol to be followed even in the laying of the leaf. It is important that the tapering end of the plantain leaf points to the left of the seated guest. The Sadya rice will get served only after all the side dishes and savouries have been served! Rice is served only on that half of the leaf, which is closer to the guest.
The main side-dishes include Avial, Thoran and Olan while the savouries include Upperi, Pappadam, Puli Inji, Pachadi and Kichadi, each of which has to be served on a specific place on the leaf. Once the rice has been served, it is time for the Parippu, a curry made of small gram and ghee. And that officially marks the beginning of the feast! The second course starts with Sambar. You get to relish the desserts mid-way through the meal. Payasams make for the dessert and over three to four varieties of Payasams are served. After the Payasams, rice is served once more along with the curd-based curry named Pulisseri. This is followed by spicy Rasam. The arrival of the sour buttermilk marks the end of the feast.
The Onasadya is often considered more than a feast. It is a tradition that brings together all the members of the family, the meal being an important element of the festive season. It is one meal to be experienced at least once in a lifetime!
Enjoy the traditional feast here.
