The Kerala temple that served vegetable fried rice for Annadanam

Temple feasts in Kerala are usually predictable in the best possible way. A plate of rice accompanied by a few curries, pickles and pappadam is what devotees expect when they sit down for annadanam. But a temple in Kottayam recently surprised devotees with a menu rarely seen in such settings: vegetable fried rice and cauliflower curry.

The unusual annadanam was served during the Bhagavata Sapthaham held at Pandavar Kulangara Sree Krishna Temple in Kallara. Videos and photographs of the meal quickly attracted attention on social media, with many expressing surprise at seeing fried rice being served as a temple feast.

Several commenters said it was the first time they had come across such an annadanam.

Not everyone, however, found the menu unusual. Some pointed out that preparing vegetable fried rice can actually be easier than cooking plain rice along with three or four separate curries for a large crowd. "It's less work than making rice and multiple curries," noted another commenter.

The feast was reportedly prepared by local residents and devotees who came together for the week-long religious event. While the menu may have broken from convention, it was warmly received by devotees who gathered for the sapthaham.

The unusual annadanam was served during the Bhagavata Sapthaham held from May 24 to May 31.

In a state where temple food traditions are deeply cherished, the sight of devotees enjoying plates of vegetable fried rice and gobi curry was enough to spark conversation—and perhaps offer a fresh take on annadanam.