Rejoice! Kerala’s grand feast ahead of Onam, Aranmula Vallasadya, is officially here. A 700-year-old tradition, this spectacular event that celebrates Kerala’s culinary heritage will see more than 60 dishes served on banana leaves. Never heard of it before? Don’t worry, we have got all the details for you.
Aranmula Vallasadya In Kerala Begins Today!
The Vallasadya at Aranmula Temple in Pathanamthitta is among Kerala’s most cherished cultural and culinary traditions. This ancient ritual brings together devotees and oarsmen for a grand feast that celebrates both flavour and fellowship. The meal, with more than 60 dishes, is… pic.twitter.com/FrjlF9I50K
— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) July 8, 2025
Aranmula Vallasadya is one of Kerala’s most cherished traditions. This grand vegetarian feast is held at the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple in Pathanamthitta district and is believed to be over 700 years old! The menu usually features more than 60 unique dishes, all offered to Lord Parthasarathy (a form of Lord Krishna). This year, the feast begins today, July 13, and will continue till October 2, marking the start of the 72-day Onam celebrations in Aranmula. Kerala Tourism also shared the celebration dates through a post on their official X account.
According to The Hindu, the feast is organised by the Palliyoda Seva Sangham (PSS) in association with the Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages temple affairs. The feast is mainly intended for the oarsmen of the ‘palliyodams’ (snake boats), who come from different villages along the Pampa River. They are welcomed with grand rituals and led into the temple with honour.
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A Sacred Tradition with Songs and Rituals
As per tradition, the oarsmen offer paddy, tobacco, and betel leaves to the deity while singing traditional boat songs called ‘Vanchippattu’, adding a musical touch to the celebrations. According to organisers, around 415 feasts have already been booked, with more expected in the coming days. Preparations began on Friday with the lighting of the main hearth using a sacred flame from the temple.
Celebrated as one of the world’s most unique food festivals, Aranmula Vallasadya stands out for its cultural and culinary richness. On the opening day, the feast will be served to the crews of seven snake boats. It is expected that nearly 2 lakh devotees will visit the temple during the Onam season to join the feast and offer prayers. But here’s what makes it even more fascinating: rowers request dishes by singing Vanchippattu (traditional boat songs).
And every single dish they ask for must be served, without refusal. That’s why the feast includes more than 60 traditional vegetarian dishes, making it one of the most elaborate temple meals in India. The feast may include items like rice, lentils, pappadam, ghee, aviyal, sambar, toran, kichadi, ginger curry, sesame seed balls, vada, rasam, buttermilk, and many more.
The Folklore Behind This Tradition
It is widely believed that Lord Krishna himself takes part in the feast alongside the devotees. According to local folklore, a Brahmin once set out to offer an Onam feast to Lord Krishna in Aranmula. But on the way, he was attacked on a boat. He was then rescued by a group of warriors, who were later revealed to be Lord Krishna and his aides. Since then, the local community has been celebrating Aranmula Vallasadya as a tribute to the oarsmen.
Also Read: 7 Oldest Temples In Kerala That Have Been Around For Decades
Amazing, right? This one-of-a-kind tradition from ‘God’s Own Country’ is a true celebration of food, culture, and faith. Devotees can now book through the Palliyoda Seva Sangham, their website aranmulaboatrace.com, or directly at the temple.
Cover Image Courtesy: Kerala Tourism/ X and Valla Sadhya, Wikipedia/ Alenalexp
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