Sadhya: The Heart Of Onam 2023 - Tradition and Health Served On a Banana Leaf
Discover the Essence of Onam 2023 through the Nourishing Tradition of Sadhya Feast, an Enriching Delight Bridging Generations. Cultural events such as the iconic Kathakali, colorful flower rangolis), and majestic parades featuring adorned elephants—all come together to illuminate the Onam
“Let's celebrate the harvest festival in all its splendour. Enjoy the Feasts, Dance, Music, and the Boat races! Happy Onam!”
Cultural events such as the iconic Kathakali, colourful flower rangolis (known as pookalams), and majestic parades featuring adorned elephants—all come together to illuminate the Onam celebrations in Kerala. This festival remembers the mythical homecoming of the legendary King Mahabali, who is believed to have visited Kerala during Onam. Discover the Essence of Onam 2023 through the nourishing tradition of Sadhya Feast, an enriching delight bridging generations.
Why Is Onam celebrated?
Who is Mahabali? How is Onam celebrated? How do people wish and celebrate with each other?
Onam is an ancient Festival of Kerala where people welcome their mythical king Mahabali with Flowers, Music, Dance, Devotion, Excitement and Food. Onam is a festival filled with joy, morale, knowledge, a bond of love, delicious food, music, religious ceremonies etc. This festival is commemorated with king Mahabali and lord Vishnu.
"Onam the Homecoming of Mahabali"
King Mahabali was one of the Daitya [Demon] who was loved and praised by his kingdom since Mahabli was a great, Judiciou, powerful and wise King. Devas {Gods} were not accepting a Dailtya to be a ruler hence they requested Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu booted Mahabli to visit his kingdom once every year before sending him to Patal.
Every Year Mahabali is welcomed to his kingdom with a huge Onam celebration which lasts for 10 days with a bunch of rituals and ceremonies.
“ONASADHYA OR ONAM SADHYA”
Onam Sadhya is the centre stage of Onam. This grand feast spread excitement with an impressive culinary of up to 26 delectable dishes on a single platter. Prepared with love by Malayalis for their friends and family, the Onam sadhya is relished traditionally on the banana leaf by sitting on the floor.
It is served at Lunch on Banana leaves. Each dish has its own space on the Banana leaf while getting served. Onam Sadhya is a harmonious blend of health and balance, making it an ideal choice for all individuals. Despite its lavish appearance, Onam Sadhya is, in reality, one of the most wholesome and nourishing culinary offerings available, showcasing the essence of nutritious dining.
Did You Know?
"Onam is also the celebration of the New Year as per the Malayalam calendar which falls between August–September. The date of the Onam celebration is based on the Panchangam and falls on the 22nd nakshatra Thiruvonam in the month Chingam of the Malayalam calendar (Gregorian calendar)"
Health Benefits Of ONAM SADHYA
The clean, hygienic process of making Sadhya is great for your health. It is filled with a balanced and Nutritious diet. Each ingredient is added in an exact amount which makes it delicious and healthy. Sadhya preparation starts with choosing the right and healthy local, seasonal, and natural ingredients. After a proper wash, a fire is lit up and as a tradition prayers are offered to Agni after the Sadhya is prepared it is first offered to the deities. Food is prepared in coconut oil and ghee, and in many of the dishes coconut milk and cashews are used in abundance.
1. Rasam and Sambar
Ingredients: A thin, spicy soup with tamarind Tomato, spices. Lentil curry with tamarind and vegetables
Counting the nutrients
Vegetables and Lentils: A diet full of fresh vegetables and lentils will fill your diet with rich Nutrients such as Carbohydrates, Vitamins, Fats, Proteins, and Minerals.
2. Avial, Parippu, Olan and Kaamal
Ingredients: Rice (Red or brown rice), Lentil curry, Made with Curd, vegetables or root vegetables and coconut, Mixed Vegetables with Coconut, Including, Gourd, peas and Coconut
Counting the nutrients
Coconuts: These are used in a huge amount in almost all dishes such as coconut oil, Coconut milk, coconut powder, and coconut help you reduce High BP, lose weight, boost energy, are good for healthy skin, are beneficial for heart health, etc.
Rice and other grains: Brown rice protects against chronic disease, White rice supports energy and restores glycogen levels after exercise, Diabetes Control, rich In carbohydrates.
3. Pachadi, Erissery, Pulissery and Thoran
Ingredients: Pumpkin and black-eyed peas curry in coconut milk, Sour or sweet Raita made with curd and cucumber or pineapple, Thin yellow curry sweet and sour curry made with tamarind and cucumber, Mixed vegetables cooked with grated coconut.
Counting the nutrients
Curd: Curd Improves Immunity, Supports Healthy Digestion, Promotes Glowing and Healthy Skin, Prevents Vaginal Infections, Improves Bone and Teeth Health, Keep Blood Sugar Levels in Control and many more.
4. Payasam
A pudding is usually made by boiling milk, sugar or jaggery, rice or daals, bulgur wheat, millet, tapioca, vermicelli, or sweet corn. It is typically flavoured with desiccated coconut, cardamom, raisins, saffron, cashews, pistachios, almonds, or other dry fruits and nuts, and recently pseudo-grains are also gaining popularity.
Counting the nutrients
Dry fruits: They are a good source of haemoglobin-building iron hence [preventing you from anaemia, They help prevent cancer, Strengthen Your Bones, improve memory, improve skin Quality, have Healthy Hair, etc.
Click to Reveal the Nutritional Insights of Onam Sadhya
Onam is a festival of spreading love, kindness and happiness. This 10-day celebration includes several rituals praising and embracing Nature. All the Rituals represent a great respect towards Nature, rich healthy harvest and the cycle of Life. We are elated to wish you a Happy Onam May this Onam bring to you the brightest and choicest happiness and love you have always wished for!