Kerala’s famed Aranmula Vallasadya feast, the largest in India, begins on July 13: What's it all about?

Ever heard of a feast where you get its items served upon requesting them as songs? Well, that's Kerala's renowned Aranmula vallasadya for you. The grand traditional vegetarian feast, considered the largest in India and held at the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple in Pathanamthitta district, is believed to be around 1,800 years old. Its claim to fame also includes its palliyodams or decked-up boats, the feast with 64 dishes, the community spirit, and most of all, the quirky boat and feast songs! Sambadevan KV, President of Aranmula temple, explains what makes the ritual a one-of-a-kind affair. 

What is the Vallasadya ritual all about?
As per the local folklore, the boat of a Brahmin, who once set out to offer Onam feast to Lord Krishna at Aranmula, was attacked by enemies. Suddenly, another boat with a group of warriors reached the spot and rescued him. Once the Brahmin reached the temple, he realised the warriors were Lord Krishna and his aides. Since then, the local people have been organising the 'sadya' to feast oarsmen to honour the incident. 

Today, the sadya is part of the annual snake boat procession on the Pampa River, in which 'palliyodams'(large snake boats) accompany 'thiruvonathoni (special boat carrying items for Onam feast).' While the oarsmen are offered the feast, it's believed that Lord Krishna himself would be present among them. Around 2 lakh people take part in the feast every year. 

What do you get to eat?
The sadya (feast) usually includes up to 64 vegetarian dishes. The common dishes served include rice, parippu (dal), sambar, rasam, pulissery, avial, kaalan, olan, koottukari, pachadi, kichadi, various pickles, payasams, and pradhamans, as well as snacks like unniyappam and more. 

The sing-song serving
The key ritual of vallasadya is the oarsmen singing 'vanjipattu' (boat songs) and requesting dishes by name. Every dish they ask for must be served — none can be refused, as it's believed Lord Krishna himself makes the request.   

When is it held in 2025?
This year's valla sadya season is from July 13 to October 2. The grand valla sadya should be tentatively around September 14. The arrival of the ritual Thiruvonathoni is tentatively scheduled for September 5. 

How to book?
The booking for the event has begun and can be made through www.aranmulaboatrace.com. You can also contact 8281113010 for booking. You need a special entry pass, which can be obtained through the temple or the Palliyoda Seva Sangham. No third-party tour packages are allowed.