Kerala's iconic Valla Sadya, boasting a unique culinary tradition, will be held from July 13 to October 2 at the famous Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple this year. The Palliyoda Seva Sangham and the Travancore Devaswom Board jointly conduct the Valla Sadya festivities. The organising committee hopes to conduct at least 500 valla sadya or traditional feasts during this season. The officials noted that they have already received 390 sadya bookings so far. Fifteen refectories have been arranged at the temple premises for serving the sadya to the devotees. Meanwhile, 15 contractors or caterers will prepare the sadya.

What is valla sadya?
A traditional valla sadya is a fabulous spread of 44 dishes served on a fresh plantain leaf. The spirit of the Aranmula valla sadya isn’t complete without songs and music. You should ask for around 20 dishes by uniquely rendering songs. The person who makes the valla sadya offering will serve the dish only if it is asked by singing. Entry to the sadya is restricted through a pass. Vanchipattu groups have been arranged at the spot for singing these songs, so that devotees can learn more about the tradition.

An organising committee has been formed for conducting the sadya as per an order issued by the Kerala High Court. Grand feasts with entry restricted through special passes would be held five days a week this month. A sumptuous feast for up to 120 guests would be served daily. Booking for the passes has already begun. For details, contact or log in to www.aranmulaboatrace.com or contact 8281113010.

Meanwhile, the arrival of the Thiruvonathoni is on September 5, the Uthrattathi boat race has been scheduled on September 9, and the legendary Astami Rohini Valla Sadya will be held on September 14. Passengers who visit the Panchapandava temple pilgrimage via KSRTC’s budget tourism cell, too, can participate in the valla sadya. District coordinator Santhosh Kumar said that the corporation aims to schedule at least 400 trips to these temples from various depots across the state.

No valla sadya in tour packages
Booking Aranmula valla sadya via tour package operators wouldn’t be allowed this year. The Seva Sangham has decided to cancel their bookings after it was discovered that the operators were collecting huge amount of money from common people by advertising the package on social media. A five-member committee has been appointed to take action against such tour operators.     

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