Every year, Kerala’s most significant harvest festival, Onam, is celebrated with great joy across the state. This year it falls on Friday, September 5th. The festival commemorates the return of legendary King Mahabali, whose reign is remembered as a golden era of equality, peace, and prosperity. Deeply rooted in Kerala’s cultural fabric, Onam symbolizes unity, gratitude, and the spirit of togetherness. Coinciding with the harvest season, it also serves as a gesture of gratitude to Mother Nature. Spanning ten vibrant days, Onam is renowned for its colourful traditions, including floral decorations (Pookkalam), thrilling snake boat races, the lively Pulikali (tiger dance), and the grand Onam Sadhya —a traditional feast featuring an elaborate variety of dishes. Beyond its rituals, Onam beautifully reflects Kerala’s rich culture, its values of harmony, and the enduring spirit of togetherness that unites communities across India.
Also Read: Give Your Harvest Festival Dishes A Healthy Twist
Why Is Onam Feast Special?
The traditional Onam feast is the key highlight of the festival. Onam food, especially the traditional Onam Sadya, is a balanced, wholesome vegetarian meal made with fresh, seasonal ingredientsthat promote good health and wellbeing. It includes a variety of dishes like vegetables, lentils, coconut, rice, and curd, which provide essential nutrients such as fibre, protein, vitamins, and healthy fats. Cooked with minimal oil and natural spices, Sadya aids digestion and boosts immunity. Additionally, the use of fermented foods like buttermilk and the practice of eating on banana leaves also support gut health and overall well-being.
Here is why food is an essential part of Onam:
Symbol Of Prosperity And Harvest
Onam celebrates the harvest season in Kerala, and the grand Onam Sadya (feast) reflects the abundance and prosperity of the land.
Cultural Tradition
Deep-rooted cultural practice showing Kerala’s culinary heritage, the Sadya is passed down through generations.
Tribute To King Mahabali
The elaborate feast is a symbolic way of welcoming and honouring King Mahabali, whose annual visit is celebrated during Onam.
Brings People Together
Preparing and sharing the Sadya strengthens family and community bonds, as everyone comes together to cook, serve, and eat.
Celebration Of Vegetarianism And Simplicity
The all-vegetarian Sadya made with local ingredients emphasizes the values of simplicity, purity, and sustainability that Onam promotes.
Also Read: Happy Pongal 2022: Tasty Healthy Recipes To Relish On The Harvest Festival
Let your Onam festivities shine brightly as you indulge in traditional delicacies, adorn yourself in new attire, and offer heartfelt prayers. Celebrate the spirit of the season with joy, gratitude, and togetherness, embracing the rich cultural traditions that make Onam truly special.
On this special day, we bring you Onam Kerala Payasam (Kerala Milk Kheer) recipe, a beloved delectable dessert served during the Onam Sadya.
Palada Payasam
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Ada (rice flakes available in Indian stores)
- 1 litre of full-fat milk
- 1/2 cup sugar or adjust to taste
- 2 tbsp clarified butter
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- 12 tbsp cashews
- 2 tbsp raisins for garnish
Method
- Boil water and soak Ada in hot water for about thirty minutes
- Drain and rinse with cold water to remove the stickiness
- Set aside
- In a thick pan, bring the milk to a boil and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally
- Add the cooked Ada to the milk
- Let it cook on low flame for twenty minutes, stirring continuously until the milk thickens and Ada softens fully
- Add sugar and mix again
- Simmer for another ten minutes until the Payasam thickens to your desired consistency
- Add cardamom powder and stir again
Optional Garnish
- Heat ghee in a small pan, fry cashews and raisins until golden
- Add them to the Payasam and mix well
- Serve warm or chilled during your Onam Sadya feast
- The dessert may thicken over time, so adjust the consistency with a bit of milk before serving
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna, Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile:
Preeti Sharma has a Master's in Electronic Media and Mass Communication and certification in short-term writing from Florida. With close to a decade of experience, she specializes in crafting engaging blogs on beauty, veterinary care, and healthy cooking. Preeti is proficient in video editing tools and produces captivating and informative content across multiple platforms.
