In the vibrant tapestry of Kerala’s culture, the Onam festival shines as a brilliant jewel, and at the heart of this celebration lies the illustrious Onam Sadya – a grand feast that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also reflects the rich culinary heritage and spirit of togetherness of the people of Kerala. The Onam Sadya is more than a meal; it’s a testament to the state’s love for food, community, and tradition.

A Feast Fit for a King

The word “Sadya” translates to “banquet” in Malayalam, and the Onam Sadya is truly fit for a king – reminiscent of the grand feasts that were once laid out for the legendary King Mahabali. Served traditionally on banana leaves, this elaborate spread boasts a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and colors that encapsulate the essence of Kerala’s cuisine.

The Unforgettable Spread

A typical Onam Sadya consists of an impressive array of dishes, ranging from the tangy to the sweet, the mild to the spicy. While the number of dishes may vary, it is not uncommon for a traditional Sadya to comprise around 26 delectable items. Here are some key components that make the Sadya an unparalleled culinary experience:

1. Rice: The meal begins with a serving of fresh, fragrant rice, which forms the base for the entire feast.
2. Sambar and Rasam: These flavorful soups, made with a medley of spices and lentils, complement the rice beautifully.
3. Avial: A medley of vegetables cooked in a coconut-based gravy, avial is a symbol of the bountiful harvest and the unity of different ingredients.
4. Olan: This mild coconut milk stew features ash gourd and red gram (cowpeas) and is known for its simplicity and subtle flavors.
5. Thorans: Various vegetable stir-fries, or thorans, offer a delightful crunch and a burst of color to the meal.
6. Pachadi and Kichadi: These yogurt-based dishes – one sweet (pachadi) and one tangy (kichadi) – add contrasting flavors to the spread.
7. Pickles: Spicy and tangy pickles made from mango, lime, or other fruits provide an extra kick of flavor.
8. Banana Chips: Crispy, golden banana chips are a beloved accompaniment that add a satisfying crunch to the meal.
9. Parippu (Dal): A simple lentil dish that adds protein and a comforting element to the feast.
10. Payasam: The grand finale of the meal, payasam is a sweet pudding made with ingredients like rice, lentils, or vermicelli, sweetened with jaggery or sugar and enriched with milk and ghee.

The Spirit of Togetherness

What sets the Onam Sadya apart is not just its tantalizing flavors but also the spirit of community it embodies. Families and friends come together to partake in this feast, reinforcing bonds and creating cherished memories. The act of sharing a meal on a common banana leaf epitomizes equality and unity, regardless of social or economic distinctions.

Preserving Tradition

As Kerala continues to evolve, the Onam Sadya remains a steadfast link to its culinary heritage. The recipes and techniques passed down through generations are lovingly preserved, ensuring that each Sadya carries the flavors of the past into the present.

Conclusion

The Onam Sadya is a testament to the artistry of Kerala’s cuisine and the culture of togetherness that defines the state. With its intricate flavors, meticulous preparation, and warm communal spirit, the Sadya is not just a feast – it’s a celebration of life, unity, and the simple joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

Attukal Pongala, popularly called Women’s Sabarimala is being held today after a long gap of 2 years. The devotees performed Attukal Pongala from their homes for the past 2 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the reduction in COVID-19 cases, the Government of Kerala has decided to allow Attukal Pongala in full glory. The temple authorities started preparations three months back and devotees have started to arrive two days before the Pongala. There was a long rush of devotees to seek the blessings of Attukal Devi. Interestingly, Attutak Pongala falls one day before International Women’s Day on March 8.

Preparations

On Tuesday, the Attukal Pongala will see participation from thousands of women devotees representing various backgrounds. The city is already bustling with the arrival of pilgrims, travelers, and tourists, who have come to witness the grandeur of the festival.

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival is expected to draw an enormous crowd. Officials anticipate a 40% increase in the number of attendees. Last year, the Pongala festival was observed in a subdued fashion, confined to households. However, this year, the city streets are teeming with devotees. One can already spot bricks lining the footpaths of major roads leading to the temple, in preparation for the hearths to be set up.

Attukal Pongala Timings

The Attukal Pongala offering ceremony will commence at 10:30 am, with the temple’s head priest igniting the stove using fire from the temple’s sanctum sanctorum. The sanctification of the Pongala offerings with holy water (Nnivedyam) is scheduled for 2:30 pm. The ten-day festival will conclude on March 15. Even if you are not located in Thiruvananthapuram, you can perform Pongala from your home. You just need to follow the timings.

Food Safety Measures

A total of 725 organizations have received registration to conduct ‘Annadanam’ on the day of Pongala. In order to ensure food safety during the festival, five special squads have been deployed by the food safety authorities.

An official from the Food Safety department stated that they have instructed the ‘Annadanam’ organizers to avoid storing food for extended periods and to prepare it fresh for the devotees. They have also issued a strict warning to use only water supplied by the Kerala Water Authority (KWA). The official added that they are regularly collecting samples of raw materials and water to ensure the safety of the food being served.

The Food Safety official further stated that the sale of food items without proper labels has been banned, and an advisory has been issued to the devotees to avoid consuming such food items. Food safety helplines have been set up, and the numbers are as follows: 8943346181, 8943346582, 1800 425 1125, and 8943346526. The public is encouraged to reach out to these helplines if they have any concerns regarding food safety during the festival.

Apart from ensuring food safety, the Health Department has also made extensive arrangements to provide medical aid to the devotees. An official stated that approximately 30 ambulances would be stationed at various locations across the city to offer medical assistance to the devotees. “The district medical office has arranged for ten ambulances, and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and private hospitals have agreed to provide an additional 20 ambulances on the day of Pongala,” the official added. This measure aims to ensure that medical aid is readily available to anyone who requires it during the festival.

Transportation Services

To facilitate the transportation of women devotees participating in the Pongala festival, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation will operate special services from 11 key points in the city on Tuesday. This initiative aims to provide a smooth and hassle-free commute for the devotees.

In addition, the Indian Railways has also arranged for special services to ensure convenient transportation during the festival. A special train from Nagercoil Junction-Thiruvananthapuram Central has been scheduled to depart at 3:30 am and arrive at the capital at 5:30 am. This train will halt at various stations, including Nagercoil Town, Virani Alur, Eraniel, Palliyadi, Kuzithurai, Kuzithurai West, Parassala, Dhanuvachapuram, Amaravila, Neyyatinkara, Balaramapuram, and Nemom.

Two more trains, the Ananthapuri Daily Express (16824) originating from Kollam and the Kanyakumari-Punalur daily, will also be available to augment transportation services during the festival. These trains will stop at all stations along the way.

Cleaning after Attukal Pongala

After the Attukal Pongala festival, around 2,200 sanitation workers will be deployed for the post-festival cleanup in Thiruvananthapuram. These workers will work towards ensuring that the entire city is cleaned up within a few hours following the event. This initiative aims to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of the city while also ensuring a safe and healthy environment for its residents.

The much-awaited Sabarimala Makaravilaku festival has started and will culminate with the appearance of the Makarjyothi on the hills. The Jewels from the Pandalam Palace also called Thiruvabharanam will be brought to the temple premises and taken inside the sanctum santorum. The Makar Jyothi will light up soon after that between 6.30 PM to 6.45 PM.

You can watch the Sabarimala Makaravilakku festival live on all Malayalam, Tamil channels including DD Malayalam and DD Podhigai. The Jaya TV will broadcast the entire proceedings starting 5 PM.

The Malayalam channels will start the festival only at 6.30 PM after finishing up all the latest news. The live commentary will be impressive and you can watch each and every movement inside Sabarimala temple. Sabarimala is situated in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala on the banks of the Pamba river. The pilgrims include the majority from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh including Kerala. The Sabarimala prasadam includes the famous Aravana Payasam, Appam and others.