Onam is a significant harvest festival that is celebrated to commemorate the annual return of the mythical King Mahabali. Although Onam is celebrated primarily in Kerala, people around the world try to celebrate it in their own way.
Mahabali, the legend, was a beloved ruler whose reign was marked by prosperity, harmony, and happiness. However, he was sent to the netherworld by the god Vishnu in the form of Vamana. As a boon, Mahabali was granted the chance to visit his subjects once a year, and this homecoming is celebrated as Onam.
The festival goes on for ten days, typically beginning in the Malayalam month of Chingam (August-September). It is marked by grand celebrations, including cultural performances, boat races, floral decorations (Pookkalam), and most importantly, the grand feast known as the Onam Sadhya.
The significance of Onam Sadhya goes beyond just food - rather it represents Kerala’s rich culinary heritage and brings people together. The Sadhya is a communal meal, signifying equality, unity, and the joy of sharing.
Onam Sadhya - The Cuisine in Detail
The best part of Onam celebrations is the Sadhya, a grand vegetarian feast that is traditionally served on a banana leaf. It typically includes over 24-26 dishes, each reflecting the diversity of Kerala’s cuisine. The Sadhya is not just about the number of dishes but the flavors they bring together, which range from sweet to sour, salty to spicy, and everything in between.
A typical Sadhya starts with parippu (a lentil curry) mixed with rice and ghee, followed by sambar (a lentil-based vegetable stew). Another important dish is avial, a thick mixture of vegetables, curd, and coconut, seasoned with curry leaves and coconut oil, which is quintessentially Kerala.
Other must-have dishes include pachadi and kichadi, which are yoghurt-based dishes. There are also desserts at the end.
It's important to know that each dish in the Onam Sadhya is there for a reason. It has a deeply rooted significance that contributes to the harmony of the entire meal, which is as much about culinary excellence as it is about the spirit of togetherness.
A Special Feast at the Newly Opened Hermitage Restaurant
If you are staying away from family in Bangalore, there is no reason for you to miss out on Onam. At Hermitage, you will get to experience the true essence of Kerala's traditional cuisine.
This grand feast kicks off with two types of achar (pickle) that pack a punch, paired with crispy papad and a fresh, ripe banana to cleanse the palate. For a snackable start, guests can indulge in crunchy banana chips and the sweet and sticky Shankara Varati, a jaggery-based treat.
From there, the feast is set to take you on a comforting home-sick journey with paripur nei - a rich dal cooked in a ghee dish and two varieties of rice that you can enjoy with several curries. A spicy sambar and tangy rasam are must-haves, while the creamy kaalan (curd-based vegetable curry), the subtle olan (coconut milk curry), and the vibrant avial (mix of vegetables and coconut) will create a perfect balance of flavors.
Hermitage is all set to do Onam like no other - so to elevate your Onam experience, they have added several side dishes to their menu. You also get the beetroot pachadi and Inji puli to enjoy the meal.
And, of course, no meal is complete without dessert. So the feast wraps up with three types of payasam so that you can finish your meal on a sweet note!
The Hermitage’s Onam Sadhya feast is a celebration of the harvest season and a true reflection of Kerala’s vibrant food culture, and it brings Bangaloreans a slice of this tradition-filled festival right to their plates.
The Hermitage has curated an exclusive Onam Sadhya lunch from the 13-15th September (12 PM to 3:30 PM) . Come join us!
If you're a corporate leader and interested in placing bulk orders to celebrate Onam with your team, we have something for you too. Get in touch with us to know more.
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