Onam Sadhya refers to the grand and delicious meal that is served on the day of Onam. The meal is very special not because it is served on Onam, but, also because there is a fixed pattern and place for every recipe of the menu on the banana leaf. The size of all banana leaves is identical. People sit in long straight rows to consume this hugely delicious meal called Onam sandhya.
The significance of this meal is that as people believe that king Mahabali’s spirit visits the town of Kerela on this day, they want him to be happy of the fact that they are enjoying the same happiness and prosperity as in his reign.
What it comprises?
Comprises of different varieties of curries, upperies - things fried in oil, pappadams which are round crisp flour paste cakes of peculiar make, uppilittathu - pickles of various kinds, chammanthi - the chutney, payasams and prathamans or puddings of various descriptions. Fruits and digestives are also part of the meal.
How is it served?
As there is a particular order for every dish to be placed on the leaf. Starting from the right pappad - salt, banana wafers, sarkarapuratti fries, ginger lime and mango pickles are served. Next comes 'vellarika', 'pavakka', beetroot and 'ullikitchadi'. 'Kitchadi' made of pineapple and banana splits or of grapes and apple is served along with this. On the right, 'cabbage thoran' is served.
Then comes a thoran made of beans and avil followed by bread and green peas mix 'thoran'. The meal will be complete with the 'avial' and 'kootu curry'.
