How 150,000 People Are Fed For Onam In Kerala, India | Big Batches | Insider Food

Onam is a 10-day harvest festival celebrated in Kerala, India. It marks the first month of the Malayalam calendar and commemorates the return of the mythical King Mahabali from the underworld to his home in Kerala.Mahabali's return and the harvest are celebrated with floral artwork, traditional dances, boat races, and a traditional feast known as the Onam sadya.

The feast has 15 to 20 distinct dishes, but in some cases, it can have as many as 40. All of the dishes are served on banana leaves and eaten by hand. Eaters use rice as the vehicle for forming the perfect bite.While the traditions of Onam are rooted in Hinduism, Keralites across the state, regardless of religion and caste, enjoy the festivities and a traditional meal.

We visited Vinayaka Caterers in Kerala, India, to see how it prepares sadyas for 150,000 people.

Intro - 00:00
Palada payasam - 00:46
Avial - 02:12
Sambar - 05:12
Vinayaka Caterers - 06:54
The sadyas - 08:53
Onam festival - 10:51

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How 150,000 People Are Fed For Onam In Kerala, India | Big Batches | Insider Food

[jayanthkn]

I have been reading a lot of comments about the lack of hygiene, so I am giving some details here:
1. Onam Sadhya is a festive spread, and it is dedicated to God. So consider it as offerings from God or sanctified food.

2. All the cooks or chefs who are involved in the preparation have to take a bath before they start preparing. They don't touch anything until they take a bath and then start by general prep work.

3. Even when celebrating Onam at home, the ladies will take bath, pray to God and wear clean clothes before they start cooking for the Sadhya.

4. Traditional attire for men is bare chested or wrapping a long shawl on their upper body, wearing a dhoti (lungi) with a shawl wrapped around the waist over the dhoti. You can wear a shirt, but the dhoti is compulsory. This is enforced for devotees in some places.
In temples across South India, such attire is worn by all temple priests and cooks. They believe they are God's servants and the attire showcases humility and their dedication towards fulfilling His activities.

5. The cooks are very mindful of hygiene and cleanliness when they prepare the food. It is because the food is offered to God first, sanctified and then served to devotees as offerings. It is sacred, even the preparation is considered sacred and the people who prepare the food take utmost care and dedication while preparing it.

I understand some people's concern about the way the food is prepared and the people are showcased, but this is how traditionally food is prepared by men for religious activities, and they take utmost care and maintain hygiene while preparing it.

[ndhochoco]

The guy in white shirt looks so happy and excited when talking about food it also made me smile watching him

[arunmohan]

As a malayalee watching this I can't help but have immense pride over my culture 😋

[modnachoda]

the smile on the guys face while explaining the dishes tells us everything..

[dpksl]

I'm Sri Lankan and I have had the honor to taste this kind of Malayalam dishes during Onam festival with my Malayali friends in KSA. Absolutely enjoyed bellyful as no limit. I love Malayali food.🙃

[pranavmenon]

The father feeding his daughter an 'oorla' is so wholesome 🥰 11:38

[cizia]

From a Westerner that has been eating Malayalee food at least once or twice a week for more than 25 years, I can attest that this food is delicious...

[tessaherondale]

I think out of all the things, my most favourite thing about Onam is how even though the myth related to it is rooted in one religion, all the people of the state come together irrespective of caste, creed and religion and sit down to enjoy this hearty feast. To the ones who don't prepare it, the neighbor's share huge bottles of payasam (the sweet milk-rice dish shown in the beginning) and it is so heart warming seeing an entire state come together to enjoy this beautiful festival

[henrydickerson]

When the owner talked about his company's food, you can tell he finds it holy, like an expression of his beliefs and who he is

[jezzr]

I'm a Goan, but gotta say, what a strong culture Kerala has, and the passion that these people have for their food. PS I love malayali food alot, similar...coastal flavours. Nice Video

[rebeccaboudreau]

The efficiency of food prep of fresh ingredients by hand in India, always amazes me. No one can do it like them! Delicious and healthy

[JustHotPringles]

Wow! Love how beautiful, colorful and full of Joy and Humility, our Indian culture and tradition is! Proud Indian! Jai Hind!🥰😇

[UnitedCuisines]

"No matter what I achieve, I am a common man."
Such a humble person, kudos!

[gyanendraverma]

I had the chance to had Onam sadya, it was amazing, our whole family liked it too much, food served on Banana leaves and eating it with bare hands feel so amazing....Lots to love to all the Keralites....Gyanendra (Uttar Pradesh UP)

[vishnurajendran.p]

Glad to see that kerala and Kerala food getting global recognition.

[Simonaliston]

I am from Kerala and I can say Sadhya is one of the best and wholesome meals you can ever eat for Onam. And these guys, the Vinayaka is the best in it. Great that you guys are spreading the beauty of Keralite cuisine. Whether you are vegan, vegetarian or not. If you love good food you should atleast have had Kerala Sadhya atleast once in your life.

[akhileshap]

A big Shout out to the channel for bringing the culture of Kerala to the global stage...

[WarriorDeb]

I am a Bengali Hindu, That's pure tradition man. Keep this tradition alive. I enjoyed the video thoroughly. Thanks for bringing this quality content.

[tenzjohn]

sharing, loving and celebrating together – that’s the essence of Onam.
May this year’s Onam celebration bring more happiness to you and your friends and family.

[basiljoseph-]

പായസം ഇലയിലേക്ക് ഒഴിച്ചപ്പോൾ ആ ചേട്ടന്റെ മനസ്സ് നിറഞ്ഞുള്ള ചിരി 😊, കഴിക്കാതെ തന്നെ ഫീൽ ചെയ്യാൻ പറ്റി... 👍