Alternative names | സദ്യ |
---|---|
Place of origin | India |
Region or state | Kerala |
Sadhya (Malayalam: സദ്യ) is a variety of dishes traditionally served on a banana leaf in Kerala, India. Sadhya means banquet in Malayalam. It is a vegetarian feast prepared by both, men and women, especially when needed in large quantities, for weddings and other special events.
During a traditional Sadhya celebration people are seated cross-legged on mats. Food is eaten with the right hand, without cutlery. The fingers are cupped to form a ladle. A normal Sadhya can have about 24-28 dishes served as a single course. In cases where it is a much larger one it can have over 64 items in a Sadya like the Sadya for Aranmula Boatrace (Valla Sadhya).suhaim
The main dish is plain boiled rice, served along with other dishes collectively called Kootan (കൂട്ടാന്) which include curries like Parippu, Sambar, Rasam, Pulisseri and others like Kaalan, Avial, Thoran, Olan, Pachadi, Kichadi, Koottukari, Elissery, Mango pickle, Pulinji, Naranga achaar (Lime Pickle), as well as Papadam, plantain chips, Sharkara Upperi, Banana, plain curd and Buttermilk. The traditional dessert called Payasam served at the end of the meal is of many kinds and usually three or more are served. The 'Kootan' are made with different vegetables and have different flavours; some say the reason for including so many dishes in the Sadhya is to ensure that the diners will like at least a few dishes.