Aranmula VallaSadya

Aranmula Valla Sadya is a traditional feast held at the Parthasarathy Temple in Aranmula, Kerala, before the annual boat festival. It is a sadya for the oarsmen who take part in the snake boat race. The boat starts from its own point and is received at the temple by the person who is offering the sadya that day.

The sadya has 60+ items, from salt and pickles to rice, and is served in a set order. Some items are given only when the oarsmen ask for them, and these requests are made through songs. The whole sadya follows a set sequence. They start with singing, ask for food in different ways, eat in the same order, and the dishes are served in the same order. Everyone is supposed to finish together, followed by songs thanking the temple, god and the person who offered the sadya. The whole thing is a ritualised, choreographed meal, and it is something you don’t see elsewhere.

Valla Sadya usually happens between July and September. The passes for the sadya are handled by the temple administration and the people conducting it, and there is no online booking etc. But There are private Valla Sadyas held outside the temple, which can be booked online and are easier to plan for. KSRTC also runs a trip to Aranmula that includes a Valla Sadya, if you want to make a day of it.