Onam Sadya 2026: From Parippu to Payasam, meaning of 10 must-have dishes on banana leaves

Onam 2026: Discover the meaning and significance behind 10 must-have dishes served on the traditional Kerala Sadya banana leaf, from parippu, avial and sambar to puli inji, and the much-loved payasam.

New Delhi: Onam arrives in Kerala with flowers at doorsteps, new clothes, family gatherings and, most importantly, the grand Onasadya. In 2026, Thiruvonam, which is the main day of the festival, falls on Wednesday, August 26, according to the Kerala Government’s official 2026 diary. At the centre of the celebration is a spectacular vegetarian feast served on a fresh plantain leaf. While the number of dishes varies by household and region, Kerala Tourism notes that a Sadya can extend to about 28 dishes, and the meal is built around a carefully balanced combination of rice, curries, vegetables, pickles, savouries and desserts.

But what makes the Sadya fascinating is that the dishes are not simply assembled at random. Their contrasting flavours, textures and sequence turn lunch into a culinary tradition.

1. Parippu – the humble beginning

A simple lentil curry made with dal and finished with ghee, parippu is traditionally the first curry eaten with rice. Kerala Tourism identifies it as the dish that officially begins........

© News9Live