Aranmula Valla Sadya

Aranmula Valla Sadya is a splendid array of vegetarian dishes that are served on plantain leaves with love, devotion, and humility. It is not just a feast; it’s a king of feasts, consisting of 70 authentic, delicious, traditional vegetarian Kerala dishes, which symbolize abundance and prosperity.

Aranmula Vallasadya is regarded as the world’s largest and most authentic vegetarian feast, celebrated each year during the Malayalam months of Karkidakam, Chingam, and Kanni, lasting for more than 60 days. In 2025, this grand festivity will take place from July 13 to October 2.

The sumptuous Aranmula Valla Sadya is served in the centuries-old Kerala traditional style, but the most unique and fascinating thing is that the payasam is served right after the sambar.

The word “Valla Sadya” is a combination of two Malayalam words—‘Valla’ can be translated to ‘Palliyodams’ or ‘boat,’ while ‘sadya’ refers to ‘feast’, which signifies a traditional feast.

This vibrant and joyous celebration takes place at the famous Sri Parthasarathy Temple, devoted to Lord Sri Parthasarathy, the four-armed form of Lord Vishnu. It is located near the village of Aranmula in Pathanamthitta District, Kerala, South India. This divine kshetra is counted as one among the 108 divya deshams and is built in the Kerala style of architecture.

Onam festival, which is observed on the Uthrittathi day in Chingam masam, the annual boat race will be held.

Visiting the Aranmula Valla Sadya during the festive season, one can enjoy the deep-rooted rituals and vanjipattu/vallapattu (boat song), adding to the unique, charming divine tune of the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple.

The greatest and largest sadhya in India, the Valla Sadya, is an offering, or Vazhipadu, made by the devotees to Lord Parthasarathy. They dedicate this Vazhipadu to any of the palliyodam (snake boats) and their oarsmen.

During this season, oarsmen from distant regions arrive at the Sri Parthasarathy Temple in their traditional Palliyodams (snake boats), singing the lively Vanchipattu—devotional songs in praise of Lord Sri Parthasarathy. The grand feast commences soon after the Uccha Puja, the midday ritual offering. The entire surroundings resonate with a deep spiritual energy. These Palliyodams also become part of the Onam festivities, culminating in their participation in the
Uthrathathi Vallamkali (boat race) held on the Pamba River.

Valla Sadya, which is held on the auspicious day of Ashtami Rohini, the birth star of Lord Sri Krishna, is the day the Deity of Lord Sri Krishna partakes the feast through the devotees who participate in the Sadya. According to folklore, any dish that devotees ask for must be served without being refused, as it is asked by the Lord Himself through devotees. Serving the dish requested by devotees is done to please the Lord Sri Parthasarathy.

In ancient times, there was a Brahmin named Bhattathiri, who belonged to Kattoor Mangadu Illam. He was an ardent devotee of Aranmula Sri Parthasarathy. He once made a vow to the Lord Sri Aranmula Parthasarathy that he would provide all the essential provisions that are required for the Tiruvonam Sadya that is conducted at the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. These food supplies were transported on the special boat called Thiruvona Thoni.

During the boat journey, it was attacked by the bandits who wanted to steal all the essential food items. Locals, on hearing about it, immediately rushed to the spot, ferrying with their own boats to rescue the brahmins.

This small act of humility and devotion led to the celebration of the famous Aranmula Valla Sadya. The act of valor and unity shown by the boatsmen in rescuing the brahmin eventually led to the origin of Aranmula boat race and the tradition of Valla Sadya. The Lord accepts anything that is offered with love and devotion.

This festival is celebrated as the protective spirit of the boatsman who came to rescue without regard to caste, creed, or gender.

Aranmula Valla Sadya is a grand and flavorful feast featuring an array of authentic Kerala delicacies, including parippu, pulissery, sambar, rasam, aviyal, kalan, kichadi, pachadi, injipuli, thoran, and a variety of pickles.

Main Dishes

Steamed Rice (Parboiled variety)

Parippu Curry – a thick preparation made with lentils

Sambar – a flavorful stew prepared with lentils, vegetables, and a blend of spices.

Rasam – a light, soupy dish made with tamarind, pepper, and aromatic seasonings.

Avial – a coconut-based curry with assorted vegetables

Thoran – finely chopped vegetables sautéed with coconut

Pachadi – curd-based dish with vegetables or fruits

Kichadi – another yogurt preparation with seasoned vegetables

Kalan – a yogurt and coconut gravy cooked with raw plantain or yam

Erissery – a curry made from yam, pumpkin, or beans with ground coconut

Olan – a mild dish of ash gourd and cowpeas in coconut milk

Pappadam – crispy fried wafers

Rock Salt

Curd/Buttermilk (Moru)

Pickles – such as Inji Puli (ginger-tamarind pickle)

Ghee (Clarified Butter)

Mezhukkupuratti – stir-fried vegetables with spices

Upperi (Banana Chips) – deep-fried raw banana slices

Sarkara Varatti – jaggery-coated banana chips

Payasam/Pradhaman – sweet pudding made with jaggery and rice

Ada Pradhaman – prepared using rice flakes, coconut milk, and jaggery

Unniyappam – deep-fried sweet dumplings made with rice flour and jaggery

Kalkandam – crystallized sugar pieces

Jaggery or Sugar (served as sweetener)

Banana (Pazham)

Palliyodams are a special kind of snake boat, made of anjali wood (a kind of jackfruit wood). These boats are really big and larger. Each palliyodam represents specific regions or karas (villages) around the Aranmula region and is dedicated to Sri Aranmula Parthasarathy.

Festival Period: July 13 – October 2, 2025

Aranmula Ashtamirohini Valla Sadya: September 6, 2025

Tirtha Yatra offers visiting several such divine temples in its Kerala Yatra a couple of times a year. Pleasedo join this yatra with your family and friends, enjoy the nostalgic feelings of such sacred places.
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport, which is located 117 Kms away, is the nearest airport to reach the famous Parthasarathy Temple. From here, you can take taxir or bus to reach the destination.

By Railway: The nearest railway station is Chengannur Railway Station, 10 km away, which is connected to major cities like Kochi, Trivandrum, Madurai, Hubbali, Chennai, Bengaluru, and many more. From the railway head, you can choose a government or private bus or hire a taxi to reach the destination.

By Road: There are many KSRTC and private buses that operate to and fro from major cities. The nearest bus stop to reach the temple is the Ikkara Junction Bus Stop.