Onam, Kerala's harvest festival, celebrates the homecoming of the benevolent, powerful asura King Mahabali, also known as King Bali. Every Onam, the Great Mahabali returns to visit his beloved people all
the way from the underworld, and he is welcomed with great devotion.
Homes are decorated with pookalam or flower rangolis, traditional feasts or sadhyas are arranged, and Malayalees welcome Mahabali with great joy and aplomb during the 10 day festival.
The entire celebration wraps up on Thiruonam, the tenth day, and the best way to enjoy it will be with an Onasadya, a vegetarian meal served for lunch on a banana leaf. Come Thiruonam, and Mumbaikars will make a dash to their favourite Malayalee restaurants to enjoy the feast.
If you are not someone who can tell your kaalan from your pachadi, let's help you break down the dishes that are a part of the traditional sadhya.
