Celebrating Onam with Sadya and Kasavu Sarees
The Indoindians community gathered recently to celebrate Onam, Keralaβs most cherished festival, with a joyful afternoon of food, tradition, and togetherness. The event combined two of Keralaβs most loved cultural symbols β the grand Onam Sadya and the elegant Kasavu saree β creating an afternoon that was as much about learning and sharing as it was about feasting and festivities.
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The Onam Sadya Feast
A highlight of any Onam celebration is the Sadya, the traditional vegetarian banquet of Kerala, served on banana leaves. At our celebration, the Sadya was carefully prepared and beautifully presented, carrying forward the flavors of Keralaβs culinary heritage.
The menu featured classics such as Sambhar, a flavorful lentil and vegetable stew, and Rasam, a tangy tamarind-based soup that awakens the taste buds. Avial, a medley of vegetables cooked in coconut and yogurt, showcased Keralaβs ability to combine simplicity with depth of flavor. Olan, made with ash gourd and cowpeas simmered in coconut milk, was light and comforting, while Kalan offered a rich yogurt and coconut-based curry. The earthy Kootu Curry with chickpeas and roasted coconut, and Thoran, a dry vegetable stir-fry with coconut, rounded off the main dishes.
No Sadya is complete without accompaniments β crisp papadam, crunchy banana chips, tangy pickles, and the unforgettable inji curry, a unique combination of ginger, tamarind, and jaggery. The meal concluded with the sweetness of Payasam, a traditional Kerala dessert of milk, jaggery, and rice or vermicelli. Each dish was distinct, yet together they formed a harmonious experience that spoke to Keralaβs culinary philosophy of balance and abundance.
The food was not only delicious but served with great attention and warmth by Chef Geetika and her team at Kalture. The tables were beautifully decorated with white and pink frangipani flowers, while the banana leaf itself became the platter, adding authenticity and charm to the Sadya experience. The care in presentation and the generosity of service made the meal truly memorable.
The Elegance of Kasavu Sarees
The cultural richness of Onam was not only on the banana leaf but also reflected in the attire of the participants. The Kasavu saree, with its striking white fabric and signature golden border, is an enduring symbol of Keralaβs tradition and festive spirit.
Woven from fine cotton and edged with zari or gold thread, the Kasavu saree embodies simplicity and elegance. Its charm lies in its understated beauty, making it suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions. This is why almost every home in Kerala has at least one Kasavu saree β it is considered a staple of traditional attire and a timeless part of a womanβs wardrobe.
Understanding the Mundu
To further showcase Keralaβs cultural attire, a Mundu draping demonstration was held during the celebration. The Mundu is Keralaβs traditional garment β a length of unstitched cloth, usually in white or cream and often edged with a golden border similar to the Kasavu saree.
While commonly worn by men, women also wear the Mundu, either as a two-piece set known as set-mundu or in different draping styles for festive and formal occasions. The simplicity of the garment, combined with its elegance, makes it a versatile symbol of Keralaβs heritage.
The demo brought many smiles, as participants tried their hand at draping the Mundu, guided by tradition, stories, and humor in equal measure.
A Special Thank You
We owe heartfelt thanks to Aneeta George, whose engaging presentation on the traditions of Onam and Kasavu sarees added depth to the afternoon. Her insights into the cultural significance of these garments helped everyone appreciate not just their beauty but their place in Keralaβs heritage. Aneeta also led the lively Mundu draping demo, making it an interactive and memorable session.
Community and Connection
What made the Onam Sadya and Kasavu Saree Meetup truly memorable was not only the food and the attire but also the sense of community it created. Gatherings like these remind us of the importance of celebrating culture together, of carrying forward traditions even when far from home, and of creating a sense of belonging that transcends geography.
As we shared food, stories, and laughter, it was clear that Onam is not just a festival for Malayalees, but an occasion for everyone to appreciate Keralaβs spirit of abundance, hospitality, and joy. The Indoindians community thrives on such celebrations, where culture and connection come together seamlessly.
This Onam, we celebrated not only a festival but also the bonds that keep us connected as a community. It was a reminder of how traditions enrich our lives, how food brings us together, and how cultural heritage continues to inspire us, no matter where we are.
