Sadhya

Sadhya is a traditional vegetarian feast of Kerala, a state in South India. It is a multi-course meal that includes a variety of dishes, typically served on a banana leaf. The meal is traditionally eaten with the right hand and is a significant part of Keralite culture.

Etymology

The term 'Sadhya' means 'banquet' in Malayalam, the local language of Kerala. It is derived from the words 'Sa' meaning 'with' and 'Adhya' meaning 'meal'.

Components of Sadhya

A typical Sadhya can have about 24-28 dishes served as a single course. The main dish is plain boiled rice, served along with other dishes collectively called Kootan which include curries like Parippu, Sambar, Rasam, Pulisseri and others like Kaalan, Avial, Thoran, Olan, Pachadi, Naranga curry, Papadum, Banana, Yogurt or Buttermilk, and plantain chips. The feast ends with a dessert called Payasam, a sweet dish made of milk, sugar and other traditional Indian savories.

Occasions for Sadhya

Sadhya is typically served for lunch and is most commonly prepared for celebrations and festivals like Onam, Vishu, and weddings. The Onam Sadhya is particularly well-known, and is served on the final day of the Onam festival, called Thiruvonam.

Preparation and Serving

The preparation of Sadhya is a time-consuming process, often requiring several hours. Each dish in the Sadhya has a specific place on the banana leaf and is served in a particular order. The leaf is always placed in such a way that the tip of the leaf points to the left of the seated guest. The meal is traditionally served on a mat laid on the floor. A strict order of serving the dishes one after the another is obeyed. Moreover, the dishes are served on specific areas of the banana leaf in a specific sequence, and each dish on the leaf has its own significance.

See also

• Cuisine of Kerala
• Onam
• Vishu