Onam Recipes – Onam Sadya and Happy Onam!
Onam, the state festival of Kerala in India, celebrated with great fanfare by the Malayalees all over the world. Onam is an occasion for Keralites to celebrate plenitude and togetherness. This festival falls in the month of August to September according to the Gregorian calendar.
The celebrations of Onam start on Atham day, 10 days before Thiruvonam.Thiruvonam, the tenth day, is the most auspicious. On this day earthen mounds, which look somewhat like square pyramids, representing Mahabali and Vamana are placed and children prepare floral decoration called Onapookkalam (also known as floral carpet) in front of their houses to welcome Onathappan /King Mahabali, as he visits Kerala every year on Onam, to enquire about their well-being.
The other most important things about Onam are the onakkodi, the new clothes worn on this day and lavish ‘Onam sadya’, the tradition that’s followed by people, irrespective of their cast and religion. All members of the family gather together, usually at the ancestral home for Onasadya – the traditional lunch served on plantain leaves. There is an old saying in Malayalam ‘Kanam Vittu Onam Unnanam’, which literally means that go to the extend of selling their possessions to eat Onasadya /Traditional Kerala Feast.
How to make and serve Onam Recipes – Onam Sadya :
Breakfast
Sadya serving begins from the bottom left half of the leaf. In some areas, a pinch of salt is kept on the leaf but some people avoid it.
On the bottom left half of the leaf a small banana is placed, next pappadam
Banana-Pazham Pappadam Unniyappam-Unniappam Mango-Mambazha Unniyappam
Then sarkara varatti /jaggery coated banana chips and upperi/banana chips
Next from the top left half of the banana leaf
Next Pachadi’s and Khichadi’s
Next comes different kinds of Side Dishes
Now banana leaf is filled with all the side dishes and most people will have dipped their fingers in some of the delicacies to have a taste.The rice is served at the bottom center of the banana leaf.
Kerala Rice
Then parippu curry is served along with ghee
Next Sambhar is served (Some part Theeyal is also served)
Next Kalan, Kurukku Kalan, Puliserry, Moru Curry
Next served is Rasam
Then comes the most anticipated part the Desserts /Payasam’s.
Normally 2-3 varieties of payasam from the below list will be served to make sadya delicious.
Pal Payasam-Pressure Cooker Method Padavalanga-Snake gourd Payasam Carrot Pal Payasam -Pressure cooker method Ney Payasam Nenthrapazham Pradhaman Pal Ada-Traditional Method Pineapple Payasam Aval Payasam Semiya Payasam Chakka Pradhaman Pal Ada-Easy pressure cooker method Pal Payasam Parippu Paradhaman Gothambu Payasam Pazha Ada Pradhaman
oops! tried Is’t?
Then Sambaram /Curd /Buttermik is served at the end to help digestion and to complete the meal.
Most people stop with the dessert…This is the way we serve in our place. The ways of serving differs from region to region.
Hope you all enjoyed this traditional virtual Onam Recipes – Onam Sadya –Kerala Sadya /Feast
Check Vishu Sadya Recipes
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