sadya

Sadya is a traditional feast from the Indian state of Kerala. The word sadya means banquet or feast in Malayalam. A classic sadya is prepared for festive occasions and is served on a single banana leaf, with steamed rice at the center and a variety of vegetarian dishes arranged around it. The meal is typically eaten with the fingers and traditionally without cutlery, reflecting local hospitality.

Core components include rice, sambar and rasam, a yogurt-based pachadi, and several vegetable dishes such as avial, olan, and thoran. The leaf also carries accompaniments like papad or pappadam, several pickles, and banana chips. A portion of payasam, a milk-based pudding, is served as dessert. The precise lineup varies by family and occasion, but the meal is known for its balance of flavors and coconut influence.

Sadya is strongly associated with the Onam festival, but it is also prepared for weddings, temple festivals, and other major events in Kerala. The Onam Sadya is especially famous for its large, multi-dish spread that showcases regional vegetables and traditional cooking techniques. Overall, sadya functions as an expression of hospitality and cultural identity, emphasizing vegetarian cuisine, seasonal produce, and the ceremonial sharing of food.