A Gastronomic Journey: The Ultimate Guide to a Wedding Sadhya

A Kerala wedding is incomplete without the grand feast known as the 'Sadhya'. Served on a banana leaf, this elaborate vegetarian meal features a host of dishes that tantalize the taste buds. Here's what you need to know about this culinary tradition.

The Serving Order

The order in which dishes are served is crucial. It starts with pickles and chutneys on the top left of the leaf, followed by thoran, avial, and other side dishes. Rice is served at the bottom center.

Key Dishes to Expect

• Avial: A mix of vegetables in a coconut and yogurt gravy.
• Sambar: A lentil-based vegetable stew.
• Thoran: A dry dish made with finely chopped vegetables, coconut, and spices.
• Parippu Curry: A simple moong dal curry served with ghee.
• Payasam: The dessert, which comes in many varieties like Palada Pradhaman or Parippu Pradhaman.

A traditional Sadhya can have anywhere from 20 to 64 dishes! It's a feast that truly represents the richness of Kerala's culture.