Pookkalam and significance of the stars

Pookkalam ( Floral Rangoli ) is one of the most prominent aspects of the Onam festival. Each day of the festival, the size and complexity of the Pookkalam increase, reaching its pinnacle on the tenth and final day, ending with Onam.

Pookkalams showcase rich social and cultural heritage and hold significant symbolism, in addition to their captivating beauty. Also, it is heavily associated with the prosperity, sanctity, and harmony of families and the community as a whole.

The tradition of laying the Onam Pookalam (floral carpet) begins, marked by Atham Nakshatram in the month of Chingam on the Malayalam calendar. ( Chingam 10, this year 1201 on the Malayalam calendar), and culminates on the 10th day of Tiruvonam. This year, Onam is celebrated between the 26th of August and to 5th of September 2025.

Each of the Stars (Nakshatram) on these 10 days is associated with honouring a deity and is worshipped. Here it goes...

Day-1 Star -Atham initiates the Onam festivities honouring the legendary King Mahabali. Atham sets a tone of joy, unity and creativity for the following days. This year, it is also associated with Gowri Ganesh Pooja, a significant ritual where devotees worship Goddess Gowri and Lord Ganesha.

Day-2 Star -Chithira is the 14th lunar mansion in Vedic astrology. In the context of Onam, Chitra holds significance as it’s associated with Lord Ganesh, who symbolises wisdom, strength, and good luck, while his large ears represent the importance of listening and learning.

Day- 3 Star - Chithra, the third day of Onam, extending from yesterday, and honouring the significance of Lord Krishna, symbolising the power of protection and preservation. Let us reflect on the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and protecting the environment.

Day- 4 Star- Chothi is associated with Lord Vayu. Lord Vayu symbolises formlessness, freedom, movement, independence, and flexibility. Vayu forms the foundation of our ability to breathe. Today’s pookkalam represents Om, as the core component of Pranayama breath practices. Vibrations of chanting Om stimulate limitless life.

Day -5 Star Vishakham is the 16th lunar mansion and is often associated with Lord Subramanya, also known as Kartikeya or Murugan. Lord Subramanya is revered as the divine son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathi, symbolising the union of masculine and feminine energies. He’s often depicted as a brave warrior, riding His peacock and wielding a vel (spear), representing victory and courage in the face of adversity. In the context of Onam, Lord Subramanya’s significance can be linked to the themes of courage, wisdom and spiritual growth, which are often celebrated during festivities.

Day -6 Star-Anizham is considered to be blissful and auspicious for Anizham-born devotees to visit Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala. The Pookkalam today represents 18 holy steps leading to the Sanctum, representing various spiritual journeys of human nature. Each step has symbolic meaning with common interpretations including the Five senses, the Eight passions(Ashtangas), Three qualities (Thrigunas) and knowledge (Vidya) versus ignorance( Avidya). Successfully crossing these 18 steps is seen as achieving a state of spiritual readiness, allowing the pilgrim to receive the Darshan of Lord Ayyappa.

Day -7 Star-Thrikketta is associated with Lord Indra, the lord of the gods and is considered to be the protector of intellectual abilities. Pookkalam today represents the significance of symmetry, reflecting the balance and harmony that are essential to life. It reminds us of the importance of finding equilibrium in our thoughts, words and actions, which alone can cultivate a sense of balance, harmony and beauty that reflects the perfection of the universe.

Day - 8 Star-Moolam is associated with Lord Hanuman. Moolam is the 19th star as per the Hindu calendar and is considered to possess spiritual and mystical energies. Lord Hanuman is known for his strength, devotion and selfless service. He is also a symbol of loyalty, courage and spiritual growth. Pookkalam today depicts the symbol Gada or mace associated with Hanuman, representing strength and inner power that comes from devotion, self-discipline and resilience.

Day - 9 Star- Pooradam is linked to Lord Varuna, the deity of cosmic waters. Pooradam is symbolised with a winnowing basket or a tusk of an elephant. It also acknowledges the majestic elephants that hold a special place in Kerala’s cultural heritage. Elephants are an integral part of Kerala’s traditions, particularly temple festivals, where they are adorned with intricate caparisons and participate in grand processions. They are considered as symbols of prosperity, good fortune, and spiritual growth. Elephants are a staple in Kerala’s festivals, like Trissur Pooram, where more than 30 decorated elephants are stationed or paraded through the streets accompanied by traditional music and dance. Kerala has a unique phenomenon of elephant clubs, where devotees passionately follow and admire specific elephants like the legendary Guruvayoor Kesavan, to the new generation's tallest tusker, Thechikkat Rmachandran. Let’s cherish the bond to thrive and inspire the future generations.

Day- 10 -Uthradam, this year, the tenth day of Onam, respects the powerful Sun God, symbolising His radiant energy and its profound impact on our lives. In Pookkalam, Sun, as the ultimate source of energy that nourishes our planet and sustains life, is represented in different forms.

The Sun also depicts inner light, guiding us towards self-realisation and awakening. Shine bright like the Sun, spreading warmth, positivity, and joy wherever you go. May the light spread…..

Happy ONAM to all !!!

The Coffee Story

Coffee is more than a drink—it’s a ritual, a culture, and a global industry worth billions. How did this simple bean become the second-most traded commodity in the world after crude oil?

From mythical beginnings to global dominance, it’s a fascinating journey of coffee through the centuries.

The origins of coffee are steeped in legend. In Ethiopia, folklore tells of a goat herder named Kaldi who noticed his goats acting unusually lively after eating berries from a certain tree. Intrigued, Kaldi brought these berries to a local monastery, where monks brewed them into a drink. A beverage that helped them stay alert during long hours of prayer.

This energising discovery quickly spread throughout Ethiopia, eventually reaching the Arabian Peninsula. This story remains a charming way to introduce coffee’s early history, even if the exact details are lost to time.

By the 15th century, coffee was cultivated and traded across the Arabian Peninsula. Yemen became the epicentre of coffee production, particularly around the port of Mocha, which became synonymous with the drink.

In cities across the Middle East, public coffeehouses emerged as vital hubs of social activity. These establishments weren’t just for drinking coffee—they became venues for music, chess, poetry, and lively debates. Known as “Schools of the Wise,” these coffeehouses played a pivotal role in the cultural and intellectual life of the time.

The first coffee house in the world is believed to have originated in Constantinople in 1475, making it approximately 550 years old.

Two world-famous people, Picasso and Neruda. A painter and a writer. The first part of both their names is common—Pablo. Both cherished coffee and shared it with their girlfriends. There is a brand called Neruda Coffee. Love blooms and fades in a coffee house, he wrote.

The French writer Balzac drank up to 50 cups of coffee a day.. Ernest Hemingway and Charles Dickens were the two other coffee-drunkards!. Chocolate coffee was the favourite of the famous thinker and writer Voltaire.

The fame of coffee grew as pilgrims visiting Mecca shared its energising properties with travellers and merchants, spreading its popularity to new regions.

Coffee arrived in Europe in the 17th century, carried by traders and travellers returning from the Near East. Initially, it faced resistance. Some clergy denounced it as the “bitter invention of Satan,” but Pope Clement VIII famously intervened, tasting the drink himself. Delighted by its flavour, he gave coffee his blessing, allowing it to flourish across Christendom.

Coffeehouses became central to European life, especially in cities like Venice, London, and Paris. In England, they were nicknamed “penny universities” because a penny bought not just a cup of coffee but access to stimulating conversations. These spaces became breeding grounds for intellectual thought, business ideas, and networking.

Coffee soon replaced traditional breakfast beverages like beer and wine, ushering in a more energised and productive workforce. This shift symbolised coffee’s growing influence on European society.

As coffee’s popularity grew, European powers competed fiercely to control its cultivation. The Dutch were pioneers, establishing coffee plantations in Java, Sumatra, and other parts of Indonesia during the 17th century. These efforts created a thriving trade network and marked the beginning of coffee’s globalisation.

The Americas entered the coffee scene in the 18th century. French naval officer Gabriel de Clieu famously transported a coffee seedling from Paris to the Caribbean island of Martinique. Despite storms, sabotage, and pirate attacks, he successfully planted the seedling, which became the ancestor of millions of coffee trees in the Americas.

Brazil’s coffee industry owes its origins to an act of charm and subterfuge. Francisco de Mello Palheta, a Brazilian emissary, persuaded the wife of the French Guiana governor to secretly gift him coffee seeds. These seeds formed the foundation of Brazil’s coffee empire, which remains a global leader in production today.

By the late 18th century, coffee had become one of the world’s most lucrative crops, shaping colonial economies and fostering international trade.

Throughout history, coffeehouses have been at the heart of cultural and political revolutions. In 18th-century Europe, they were the meeting places of intellectuals, fueling the Enlightenment and other transformative movements. Similarly, in America, coffee played a symbolic role during the Boston Tea Party. As colonists protested British taxation on tea, they adopted coffee as a patriotic alternative—a tradition that endures to this day..

It can be said that the arrival of coffee in India is through the Sufi tradition. Around 800 AD, on his way back from Mecca to India, a Sufi monk named Baba Budhan visited Yemen and brought back seven coffee bean seeds from there. He buried them in his ashram in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka. Later, the place where he cultivated them became famous as Baba Budhan Hills. During the British rule, coffee cultivation spread to other parts of South India.

This commercial growth of coffee was initiated and encouraged by the British. Since then, coffee has gained popularity, both as a crop as well as a beverage. The regions of Western Ghats, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and a few northeast regions are the largest producers of coffee in the country.

The best mornings in a Tamil household start with Filter Coffee, fondly called as “kaapi”. For a South Indian, more specifically a “Tamilian”, Coffee is not just a drink but an emotion.

Coffee has transcended its role as a simple beverage in the 21st century. It’s a lifestyle, a status symbol, and a cornerstone of modern culture. The rise of global coffee chains like Starbucks has revolutionised the coffee culture and how coffee is consumed, emphasising convenience and customisation.

Today, as you sip your morning brew, you’re participating in a story centuries in the making—a story of resilience, connection, and the enduring allure of this remarkable beverage.

The Ways of Reading*

 

Every morning, as  I sit with my cup of coffee and open the newspaper, I find myself on an emotional roller coaster. Though the intent is to start the day on a calm note, I often wonder if reading the news truly allows for that any more.

It’s nearly impossible to go through even a few pages without being swept up by a wave of emotions. When the Indian team wins a World Cup or brings home more Olympic medals, there’s immense joy. But soon after, tragic stories-air crashes, stampedes, accidents- bring sorrow, a sense of loss and bewilderment at the unpredictability of life. 

Reports of horrific crimes stir disgust, and the callous reactions from those in power only deepen the frustration. Politicians switching parties and ideologies with ease leave us wondering at their shameless agility. We sigh, tell ourselves not to expect more, and turn the page.

A bit of humor follows. A celebrity’s antics might make you laugh, and the Amul girl or a sharp cartoon brings a gentle smile. But the mood shifts again - news of crimes against women and children, drug abuse, economic shocks- all stir fear for our loved ones.

Yet, some stories shine through- stories of resilience, kindness and compassion. These positive stories bring us hope that all is not lost, offering a brief sense of peace in this chaotic world. Still, I see fewer people around me engaging in this ritual. The younger generation scrolls through curated headlines, avoiding the emotional highs and lows that a full newspaper brings.

Skipping sorrow, muting outrage- they consume news tailored to comfort. And then there are the attractive sales ads- whether in print or online- that almost impulsively draw the hand to the mobile phone to place an order, turning the news experience into yet another opportunity for consumption. In this world of filtered content and instant gratification, reading a newspaper page by page is becoming a dying art. It belongs to a generation that still chooses to face the world as it is, not just how we wish it to be.

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{The above skit by Ms Sharada AL was published in “The Hindu” -   24/08/2025. Reproduced here for your reading, and hope you will enjoy and comment.}

The Faith Of The Sparrow

In the vast expanse of Kurukshetra, where armies gathered for an epic battle, a small, seemingly insignificant drama unfolded with profound implications.

As the battleground was being readied, trees were felled, and the ground was cleared to accommodate the movement of mammoth armies and their cavalry. They used elephants to uproot trees and clear the ground.

Amidst this upheaval, the sparrow’s nest was dislodged from its perch, leaving the helpless mother and her four young ones exposed and vulnerable.

The vulnerable and frightened sparrow looked around for help. Just then, she saw Krishna scanning the field with Arjuna. They were there to physically examine the battleground and devise a winning strategy before the war began.

She flapped her tiny wings with all her might to reach Krishna’s chariot.

In her desperation, the sparrow turned to Lord Krishna, who stood amidst the preparations with Arjuna by his side.

“Please save my children, O Krishna, ” the sparrow pleaded. ”They will be crushed tomorrow when this battle starts.

Krishna, the embodiment of divinity, listened to her plea with compassion but told her.

” I hear you,” said He, the omniscient one, "but I can’t interfere with the law of nature.”

“All I know is that you are my saviour, O Lord. I rest my children’s fate in your hands. You can kill them or you can save them, it’s up to you now”

“The wheel of Time moves indiscriminately, ” Krishna spoke like an ordinary man, implying that there wasn’t anything he could do about it.

Yet, the sparrow’s faith remained unshaken. She surrendered herself and her offspring to the will of Krishna. “I don’t know your philosophy,” the sparrow said with devotion and reverence. “You are the wheel of time. That’s all I know. I surrender to thee.’’

In response, Krishna advised her to prepare for the days ahead by stocking her nest with food.

Unaware of the ongoing conversation, Arjuna was trying to shoo away the sparrow when Krishna smiled at the bird. She fluttered her wings a few minutes in obeisance and flew back to her nest.

Two days later, as the battle loomed on the horizon, Krishna asked Arjuna for his bow and arrow. Arjuna was startled because Krishna vowed not to lift any weapon in the war. Besides, Arjuna believed that he was the best archer out there.

Arjuna, puzzled by this seemingly trivial act, questioned Krishna’s motives. Quietly taking the bow from Arjuna, Krishna aimed at an elephant. But, instead of bringing the animal down, the arrow hit the bell around its neck, and sparks flew.

Arjuna couldn’t contain his chuckle seeing that Krishna missed an easy mark.

“Should I?” He offered. “But why did you shoot the elephant, Keshav? Arjun asked.

“Because this elephant had knocked down the tree sheltering that sparrow’s nest.”

“Which sparrow?” Arjun exclaimed. “Plus, the elephant is unhurt and alive. Only the bell is gone!”

However, Krishna remained steadfast, did not explain, and gave him back the bow, saying that no further action was necessary. Dismissing Arjuna’s questions, Krishna instructed him to blow his conch.

The war commenced, and numerous lives were lost over the next eighteen days. The Pandavas won in the end.

In the aftermath of the battle, amidst the carnage and devastation, Krishna led Arjuna once more across the battlefield. Many corpses still lay there awaiting their funeral. The battleground was littered with severed limbs and heads, lifeless steeds and elephants.

Krishna stopped at a certain spot and looked down thoughtfully at an elephant bell. “Arjuna,” he said, “will you lift this bell for me and put it aside?’’

The instruction, though simple, made little sense to Arjuna. After all, in the vast field where plenty of other things needed clearing, why would Krishna ask him to move an insignificant piece of metal out of the way? He looked at him questioningly.

“Yes, this bell,” Krishna reiterated. “It’s the same bell that had come off the elephant’s neck I had shot at.”

At that moment, the true significance of Krishna’s actions became clear – a single act of intervention had safeguarded an entire family.

Arjuna bent down to lift the heavy bell without another question. As soon as he lifted it, though, his world changed forever. One, two, three, four and five. Four young birds flew out one after another, followed by a sparrow. The mother bird swirled in circles around Krishna, circumambulating him in great joy. The one bell cleaved eighteen days ago had protected the entire family.

Arjun fell at the Lord’s feet, his eyes filled with praise for his friend and admiration for the sparrow’s faith in Krishna.

Lesson:

 And so it was. Faith is often its reward. 

1.  It is also about accepting the great design of the lord as we leave our worries about things beyond our control and put in our best efforts.

2. The sparrow followed whatever Krishna had asked her to do. She neither complained about how he would save her nor argued with him to transport her family to a much safer place.

3. She might have asked him to provide her with food, but she took the initiative herself. She did not hold back from the efforts expected of her. 

4. We must learn to follow God’s plan instead of expecting our lives to unfold as we want. 

5. Faith truly means learning to go along with life. Action combined with surrender is the core of faith.

The tale of the sparrow’s nest serves as a timeless reminder of the power of faith and divine intervention in the face of adversity. In these uncertain times, let us draw inspiration from the sparrow’s unwavering faith and resilience, knowing that with patience, perseverance, and divine grace, we shall emerge victorious.

Disappearing Extended Family Bonds

 

Until two generations ago, there was a world where daily life felt more relaxed. There were people to attend to one’s mundane needs, and such services were easily, honestly and reliably available.

The characters mentioned here cannot be dismissed as more than self-indulgent nostalgia. It fosters a sense of community cohesiveness, regardless of the social, religious, or economic status of its members. It is likely driven by loyalty, love, and affection—a relationship formed beyond mere duty.

Life in those days was vastly different from today’s life, which seems to be in a perpetual fast-forward mode. Each individual had a role assigned to them by their profession or by obligation. And those boundaries restricted no one; almost everyone went beyond them. For example, Kunjappu, whose job was to assist his master, Martin & Sons, the baker.

He helped the Martin family bake loaves of bread and buns, as well as allied products. Kunjappu’s real job starts in the afternoon, delivering products to various families in and around the town's suburbs, with a large round basket full of items well balanced on his head.  His promptness, pleasing manners, and rapport with the families were key to his marketing success. His sight was so prominent to all the residents of the locality, more so with protruding teeth and an ever-smiling face. That lovely aroma of freshly baked bread was so tempting to his customers, even before he entered the compound of the houses. He would take orders for the next trip even before the current supply was delivered. This included special orders for banana cakes and other beautiful, sweet treats in pink for upcoming birthdays, festivals such as Christmas, Onam, or Id as well as other special events or kitty parties. Kunjappu maintained a cigarette-sized notebook for recording customer transactions, which were settled by the following month.

 Dietary restrictions were never on people’s minds in those years.

Shopping for bread at a nearby hypermarket has become tiring due to the numerous brands, flavors, and sizes available.. Additionally, freshness is often a concern, as expiry dates are rarely visible. Any request or inquiry to a typically unwilling sales boy receives a cold response and a shady look. Customers are required to pay immediately at the bill counter while waiting in line.

 We truly missed Kunjappus here, and in many ways!

As you all know, the name Kerala is derived from the land of 'kera ' trees, and probably sustained the lives and economy of its people then. The coconut kernel is an essential ingredient in Kerala cuisine and is widely used in cooking. Every part of the tree is utilized, either for coir production, handicraft items, or oil extraction. The trunk is used as building material, while the roots are dried and used as fuel. Additionally, toddy is tapped from the stem, making it a popular alcoholic beverage.  

Meet our character, Chamu, a.k.a Chamy or Chamunny. He is a coconut plucker who visits homes regularly to harvest coconuts. Depending on the household's needs, he cuts the nuts when they are tender or raw, whether for use in cooking, rituals during functions, or for sale in the market to help earn extra income for the family. When he was in a skilled mood, he would climb a tree to pluck nuts and use his knife to cut down dry leaves to clean and prevent infestation. To frighten us or to show off his skill, he will gently sway the tree from side to side and aim for the adjacent tree while swinging. During the festival season, he will have additional work to assist with pandal decoration using cut leaves in various formats, enhancing the beauty of the venue.

As years went by, Chamys became a rare species, along with the bond that existed between the tribe and its people.  As a profession, it has become unviable due to the cost of plucking from each tree being disproportionate to product availability, making it uneconomical to the owner. Changes in dietary habits, increased construction activities for development projects, and the growth of residential flats and houses have also contributed to the reduction of coconut plantations and cultivation areas.

Have you ever heard of a government functionary appointed for the very purpose of winding the clocks?. Yes, Kuttan was indeed an important cog in the wheel of the Cochin State government machinery! He ensured the wheels of time moved smoothly and precisely in the government offices in Kochi. Quartz movement was not yet in the arena, and each office had to be attended to by Kuttan at designated intervals-daily, weekly, or so. To him, clocks were people, and he spoke of them as one would speak to close friends!.

His journey starts early in the morning, with his toolbox containing a bunch of keys. Each of his clocks had to be pampered, coaxed and at times mildly, or a dose of violence. There are single keys or double keys for winding gently, oiled for some reluctant springs.

Some clocks were as temperamental as persons in charge of the office, racing ahead by minutes or slowing down or stopping forever. But Kuttan has the panacea for these tantrums.

Listening to the stories of each clock is a pastime and excitement for the employees. They cultivated a bond with the person more than the profession. This helped them attend to repair work at their homes as well.

A new mechanism needing less attention entered the market. It was heard that long after Kuttan retired, he became a ‘consultant’ and flourished in collecting antique clocks! 

The Ten Names of Arjuna

 

There is an age-old Indian mantra that grandmothers passed over from one generation to another. It is known as Arjuna’s ten, which are the 10 names of Arjuna.

Children are instructed to chant the ten names of Arjuna from the Mahabharata before sleeping, as this practice is believed to effectively protect them from bad dreams. Additionally, it offers protection for elders during thunderstorms and helps to dispel fear.

It is given in the Mahabharata itself that wild animals will not harm those persons who recite these ten names of Arjuna daily, and all of their enemies will be defeated without doubt

The names of Arjuna that are chanted for this purpose are:

Arjuna

 Arjuna means "the white one," "bright," or "clear." He represents a person with a clear inner nature, possessing a mind that is spotless and free from impurities. Such a pure and unblemished mind is open to receiving divine wisdom and the highest understanding. This is why Lord Krishna imparted the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita during a time when Arjuna was experiencing indecision and doubt.

 Arjuna’s hands are clean and never tainted, because he does not do anything wrong. Even when he fights, he plays by the rules.

 Arjuna is the archetypal hero, eminently worthy of being emulated by the world today for the development of a better class of Men, who are true Karma yoddhas capable of building a world order based on goodness and strength.

 Phalguna

 He is so-called because he was born in the month of Phalguna. The Exterminator of enemies, born under the asterism Uttara Phalguni.

Partha 

  Arjuna got the name Parth because of his mother Kunti. Kunti is also known by the name "Pritha".(The daughter of Earth, ‘Prithvi’). That is why Arjun is called "Parth" Here, Pritha means the son of Pritha.

Vijaya

  He was Vijaya, because he was always victorious. Ever victorious in war, the vanquisher of invincible kings.

Kireedi

  As a resplendent diadem was placed on his head by his father, Lord Indra, after the destruction of the “Nivaatakavachas”, a powerful class of netherworld demons. These demons were said to be invincible and undefeated even by Indra and the gods. Exemplifies that the Crown of success adorns the courageous and self-believing man, or “Fortune favours the brave!”

Shwetavaahana 

  He is called Swetavahana because his horse is white (sweta) in colour. Why did Arjuna always have to use white horses to draw his chariot? This was to show what a skilled warrior he was. At the end of a day of fighting, his horses would return without a nick or a scratch on their bodies. While this would be true regardless of what colour the horses were, the fact that they were uninjured would be more evident in the case of white horses. And so, to show everyone what a skilled archer he was, Arjuna always had white horses draw his chariots.

The Warrior with snow white horses, clad in gold-plated armour, yoked to his Chariot. The snow white horses symbolise the purity of character.

 Dhananjaya

  The Conqueror of immense wealth. Here, wealth stands for all valuable things, including the most useful qualities of personality.

 Jishnu

 The irrepressible one, of lofty and unapproachable standard, the tamer of adversaries, the son of Indra. The hero always has high standards and principles in his life.

Savyasaachi

  The Warrior who can draw the bowstring of Khandiva, using either hand with equal ease, is highly and equally skilled with both hands. This name illustrates the value of skill development through hard work.

Bibhatsa

 One who never performs an act unworthy of himself. Bhibatsa, because he would be filled with a sense of revulsion at the thought of doing something wrong. He not only did not do wrong things, but never even contemplated doing wrong. 

[Apart from these ten names, Lord Krishna called him as purusarsabha ( best of men), paranthapa (chastiser of foes),kurunandana (delighter of kurus), anagha (sinless ), Bharata sreshta (best of bharatas),purushavyaghra (tiger among men), Bharatasattama (best of bharatas), kounteya (son of Kunti), Gutakesa, Mahabaho, Parantapa in Bhagavat Gita.]

Meditating on the meaning of these ten names of Arjuna develops character and willpower, which are the essential firepower badly missing in the apathetic and rudderless world of today.. Heroic figures shaped by Vyasa’s great epic will be essential for steering India and the world safely through the ominous challenges of the new century.

Sadhya- A Culinary Wonder of Malayali Culture

 

A ‘Sadhya’ ( feast, or a banquet) is an essential part of any celebration in Kerala, be it a birthday, naming ceremony, marriage or just about any occasion for rejoicing. The traditional sadhya is a lunch and is no casual affair, which can be rustled up at short notice. There is a customary protocol for conducting it, and it takes a specialized service that adheres to tradition in the matter of the menu, preparation and final serving of the food.

The origins of sadhya are as rich and layered as the dishes it comprises. The origins of this tradition can be traced back to the royal courts of Kerala, particularly in the Travancore and Kochi kingdoms. At that time, temple festivals and royal events required generous food offerings. Over the years, what began as a religious and royal offering evolved into a symbol of celebration, hospitality, and unity among all communities in Kerala.

Once the decision to host a sadhya is made, the host has to find the right cook with adequate expertise and experience to cater. In those days, the traditional feasts were typically handled by Brahmins. Each area was renowned for personalities like Subbu Vadhyar, Anatharama Iyer, or a Pattabhi, as well as later figures such as Raman Nair, Paramu Pillai, and Govindankutty, all of whom have now become part of history. The chosen one was briefed for the terms and size of the invitees. The menu is standard, and before D-Day, he arrives with his team and takes over the designated cooking area in the house. The air is soon filled with instructions and information. The noise from the operation—handling and arranging vessels, grinding, grating, and pounding—prevents any sleep for those involved or nearby. And probably signals the early promise of success of the event!

 A traditional Sadhya can include anywhere from 24 to over 64 items, all served in a specific sequence and layout. Each dish is served in a particular order and spot on the banana leaf, adhering to a cultural code that ensures harmony of flavor and etiquette. Some iconic dishes include:

Chips Salt, Pazham /Banana,

and snacks: Pappadam-

(Big and small )

                              Urad dal Pappad,

Nendran chips, jackfruit

chips,

Yam fried chips, Bitter gourd

chips,

Sharkara vattu upperi,

                               Kondattam- Green chilli fries

Kaliyadakka,

Unniyappam 

                              

Pickles :               Kadukku manga achar/

instant mango pickle,

Naranga achar/lemon pickle,

Inji puli/ ginger curry,

ginger curry,

                                Kari Naranga/Vadugapulli

ginger curry,Achar/

Wild Lemon Achar,

                               Inji thayir/ Ginger curd mix,

                                Achar/

Nellikka achar /Gooseberry

Main Course:     Rice ( white rice/ brown-Matta rice ) Ghee, Parippu/ Dal curry

                              Sambar ( varutharacha

sambar, without coconut)

Ulli / Onion Sambar, Ulli

theeyal

(shallots in coconut gravy)

                               Vazhuthenaga Theeyal

(Brinjal in coconut gravy )

Pavakka Theeyal(bittergourd

gravy )

                               Rasam- T0matao/ garlic/

ginger/ pepper variants.

pepper variants.

                               Moru curry.

Side Dishes :     Avial/ mixed vegetable curry

with sadya vegetables

Thoran ( cabbage, carrot,

beans, beetroot,kovakka 

Payaru(long beans),

Plantain stem.

                                Mezhukkupiratti ( potato,

                                 beans, long beans, Yam)

                               Kootukari ( yam /plantain

&Channadal )

                                Erisseri (pumpkin, long

beans),

Kalan ( raw banana/ raw

mango )

                                 Olan ( black eyed peas,

pumpkin&plantain)

Pachadi ( pineapple/

beetroot andcurd )

Kichadi  ( ladies

finger/cucumber) 

Pulisseri (mango/

pineapple)

                                 Chammandhi ( chutney-

mint/nuts

  Butter milk-salted

 Desserts/Sweets :  Ada pradhaman

                                Chakka(jackfruit)

pradhaman,

Kadalapparipu/channa                                moong dal                           

                              Semiya /vermicelli

payasam

                                  Pal payasam/milk

Ari payasam ( rice, jaggery,

                                  ghee )

                    Nurukku Gothambu/

Broken what payasam

Mambazha payasam/

Aval/ poha payasam

                                  Sweei Boli

                                  Ela Ada ( jaggery and

coconut fillings in

plantain leaf )

The finale serves as an acid test for any caterer or cook specialising in sweet dishes, particularly in the variety of Pradhamans and Payasam. While they are all loaded with calories and richly sweet, the most prestigious of them and most in demand is ‘paalada pradhaman'.

The meal concludes with more rice and curds, marking an anticlimax and the end of the Sadhya. All one hears after a satisfactory sadhya are the blurps and feeble farewells as the invitees struggle back home, replete and happily uncomfortable! 

Times have changed. More and more event management companies and restaurants, are now in the fray. However, the concept of a Kerala sadhya—the traditional vegetarian feast—has remained mostly unchanged in its essential elements. The cuisine has adapted to changing times while still maintaining its fundamental dishes and the tradition of serving meals on banana leaves. Changes in ingredients, preparation methods, and the overall experience of the feast have occurred.

These changes reflect the evolving lifestyles and preferences of individuals.

The inclusion of non-vegetarian dishes in certain regions of Kerala and some families is simply due to personal preference, as it is part of their regular diet.

There is no right or wrong when it comes to food choices; it ultimately depends on individual preferences and cultural interpretations.

There is a growing trend towards incorporating more locally sourced and organic produce. The evolution of modern kitchens and cutting-edge appliances has revolutionized the way we prepare our favorite dishes. While the fundamental recipes have stood the test of time, the process of cooking has become more efficient and enjoyable than ever before! While the traditional method of serving on a banana leaf is still widely practised, some restaurants and events may offer sadhya on plates or in buffet-style arrangements.

 There is growing awareness of dietary restrictions and preferences, leading some restaurants to offer vegan or gluten-free options within the sadhya.

The Sadhya is not only a showcase of culinary excellence but also a symbol of abundance, prosperity, and joy. Sharing food from the same roof promotes unity, equality, and community bonding, essential themes of celebration. It is also a gesture of respect and affection toward the guests. Serving a complete Sadhya expresses the sentiment, “You are a part of our happiness, and we honor you.”

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