Onam Sadhya: The 26 dishes spread and the interesting meal customs

Sadhya is a traditional Kerala meal, essentially vegetarian, served on a banana leaf. A typical Sadhya can have two to three dozen dishes, which may sometimes go up to 64! During the 10-day Onam festival, an elaborate Sadhya is prepared which perhaps is another big attraction of the festival.
Eating Sadhya
It is mostly served in lunch, on banana leaves and people sit cross-legged on the floor and eat it with their right hand.The dishes are served in a specific order and they also have their designated places on the banana leaf. For example, pickles are placed on the top left corner and bananas on the bottom left corner of the leaf. To express satisfaction, people are supposed to fold the banana leaf after they are done with their meal.
Preparation
The preparation for Sadhya begins a day in advance. Firstly, the ingredients are carefully chosen and arranged. Then after the cutting and chopping of veggies and fruits is done, the fire is lit and prayers are offered to Agni and after the Sadhya is prepared, it is first offered to the deities.
According to Chef Vetri Murugan, Head Chef, Zambar, at Ambience Mall Gurgaon which has come up with a unique concept where Onam Sadhya meals are not just being served at the restaurant but are also being delivered at home with pre-booking, "For us, Onam Sadhya preparation usually takes 3-4 hours. Pre-planning and organisation is the most important part to cook an elaborated Sadhya meal with equal focus on each element and flavour. Every element in a Sadhya meal is essential and has its own importance. The beauty of the flavours lies in the fresh ingredients used, the spices, and how they are cooked while complimenting each other." Zambar's festive menu boasts a lavish spread of 26 vegetarian dishes delivered in boxes and banana leaves for those who order takeaway.
Ingredients used
Sadhya uses local and seasonal ingredients. Food is prepared in coconut oil and ghee and in many of the dishes coconut milk and cashews are used in abundance. Most dishes in Sadhya are mildly spiced and they taste delicious mainly because they are not overcooked or doused with excessive spices.

Sadhya dishes
Rice is the main staple, served along with other dishes that are collectively called Kootan.
Rice: Red or brown rice
Parippu: Lentil curry
Rasam: A thin, spicy soup with tamarind, tomato and spices
Sambar: Lentil curry with tamarind and vegetables
Kaalan: Made with curd, vegetables or root vegetables and coconut
Avial: Mixed vegetables with coconut
Olan: Includes gourd, peas and coconut
Koottukari: Banana or yam cooked with chana
Erissery: Pumpkin and black-eyed peas curry in coconut milk
Pachadi: Sour or sweet raita made with curd and cucumber or pineapple
Pulisseri: Thin yellow curry sweet and sour curry made with tamarind and cucumber
Thoran: Mixed vegetables cooked with grated coconut
Payasam: Three to four types of payasam is served as dessert.
The other dishes include banana, pickles, papad, banana chips, ghee, buttermilk etc.
Each component of the Sadhya is carefully prepared with attention to detail, and the entire meal is a culinary masterpiece that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Kerala. It's meant to be enjoyed together with family and friends, symbolizing unity, abundance, and the spirit of Onam.
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