Onam is the most iconic festival in South India, celebrated with great enthusiasm by the Malayali community worldwide. This year, the festival falls on Tuesday, August 29th. The splendor of Onam in Kerala is a sight to behold, with its rich traditions and cultural significance.
Onam is a 10-day festival that marks the beginning of harvest season and the return of King Mahabali to Kerala. It's a time for celebration, togetherness, traditional sports, decoration, and feasting. The festival is an opportunity to come together with family and friends, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Onam Sadhya: A Traditional Feast
Onam Sadhya is an integral part of the festival, offering more than a delicious dining experience. It carries mythology, fosters togetherness, and reminds us of our roots and traditions. The traditional vegetarian thali is served on a banana leaf and features 26 types of dishes, including mouth-watering curries, fried vegetables, sweet dishes, and more.
Every member of the family contributes to the preparations of Onam Sadhya, making it a true community effort. The feast consists of 26 different types of dishes, prepared with over 60 ingredients. Each day of the festival has its own significance, with Thiruvonam being the most auspicious day. The days of the festival include Atham, Chithira, Chodi, Vishakam, Anizham, Thriketta, Moolam, Pooradam, Uthradom, and Thiruvonam.
This grand meal consists of an array of traditional dishes, carefully prepared to delight your senses.
Crispy Snacks: The feast begins with Pappadam, crispy rice flour wafers, and Upperi, banana chips, along with its sweeter variant, Sharkara Varatti, coated in jaggery syrup.
Spicy and Tangy Curries: This section includes Inji Curry made from ginger, Mango Curry infused with coconut milk, and Naranga Curry, a zesty lemon pickle.
Yogurt-Based Dishes: Essential yogurt-based dishes in the Sadhya are Pachadi, Pulissery, Kichadi, and Inji Thayir.
Vegetable Delights: The Sadhya showcases various vegetable dishes such as Olan, Ellisheri, Avial, Thoran, and Kootu Curry.
Lentil and Yam Dishes: Highlights include the lentil-based Sambhar, Parripu Curry, and Chenna Mezhkkupuratti, a yam dish.
Tamarind Soup: Rasam, a spicy tamarind soup, aids digestion and is either eaten with rice or separately.
Staple Rice: The meal is traditionally served with red rice, known as Chor, typically topped with ghee (Neyy).
Desserts: The feast concludes with sweet Payasam varieties like Palada Pradhaman and Pazham Pradhaman, often enjoyed with Poovan Pazham bananas.
Onam Sadhya with Organic Himalayan Ingredients
This Onam, experience the fusion of two Indian states' flavors as we blend the richness of Kerala cuisine with the purity of Himalayan ingredients. Nirvana Organic products will guide you in creating an extraordinary Onam Sadhya.
Crispy Snacks:
- Pappadam: Enhance the crunch with a sprinkle of Pahadi Mix Salt.
- Upperi & Sharkara Varatti: Use Himalayan Rock Salt to season these treats.
Spicy and Tangy Curries:
- Inji Curry: Infuse it with Himalayan turmeric for a vibrant color and added health benefits.
- Mango Curry: Use Pahadi Mix Salt and Himalayan Forest Honey to balance flavors and create a rich taste.
- Naranga Curry: Add a dash of Pahadi chili flakes for extra zing.
Yogurt-Based Dishes:
- Pachadi & Kichadi: Incorporate Pahadi Mix Salt and Thyme for a fresh, herbal twist.
- Pulissery & Inji Thayir: Use Himalayan Rock Salt to enhance the yogurt’s natural tang.
Vegetable Delights:
- Olan & Avial: Season with Italian Herbs Blend and Rosemary to complement the vegetables.
- Ellisheri & Thoran: Use Pahadi Haldi and Pahadi Chili Flakes for a beautiful color and a subtle heat.
Lentil and Yam Dishes:
- Sambhar & Parripu Curry: Boost flavor with Pahadi Mix Salt and Pahadi Haldi.
- Chenna Mezhkkupuratti: Enhance with Thyme and Rosemary for a fragrant, earthy flavor.
Tamarind Soup:
- Rasam: Use Pahadi Chili Flakes for added spice.
Staple Rice:
- Chor: Cook with Himalayan Red Rice and finish with a dollop of Badri Cow Ghee for a rich, aromatic base.
Desserts:
- Payasam: Sweeten with Stevia and finish with a drizzle of Forest Honey. Incorporate Poovan Pazham bananas for added natural sweetness.
