Enchanting Kerala

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Aranmula Vallasadya - A Ritual Feast to Savour

Aranmula Vallasadya, the biggest feast in India is an annual ritual festival held at Aranmula Parthasarathy temple in the Pathanamthitta district. On the day of Ashtami Rohini, the village holds a snake boat race in the sacred Pampa which leads to the grand feast served on a plantain leaf at the temple. With over 70 varieties of traditional Kerala dishes, this ranks high among food fiestas across the world owing to the taste of vegetarian specialties. The Vallasadya is associated with centuries-old rituals and stories.

On the day of Vallasadya, the oarsmen row their boats through the river to the temple and circumambulate the temple reciting Krishna bhajans or ‘Vanchi Paattu’ while offering Nirapara to the presiding deity. As the feast proceeds, their songs become sportive, and they start to demand dishes through the ‘Vanchi Paattu’. This festival which lasts more than two hours incorporates music, sports and ceremonial offerings.

It is believed that Lord Parthasarathy will appear to collect offerings from the people, and all the dishes requested by them should be provided. The dishes that are categorized into three are served as per the tradition. A few of them are ‘parippu’, ‘pulissery’, ‘kaalan’, ‘avial’, ‘thoran’, ‘erissery’, ‘koottukari’, ‘pachadi’, ‘kichadi’, ‘mezhukku purattees’ and pickles. Those who attend the event may enjoy the distinctive flavours of the central Travancore district. 

Contact
DTPC Pathanamthitta
Ph: +91 468 231 1343

Getting There
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 115.8 km
Nearest Railway Station: Chengannur Railway Station, about 10.2 km