Onasadya in high demand: Kerala witnesses record bookings

Kochi: Sadya, the traditional feast, is an essential part of Onam celebrations. A complete sadya includes a wide variety of dishes like banana, papad, dal, ghee, rice, sambar, avial, koottukari, pachadi, khichdi, and two types of payasam. 

This year, catering services and hotels are competing to serve Onam sadya to Malayalees. Bookings started late August, and many closed their reservations by the beginning of Atham. Compared to last year, there has been a 40-60 percent increase in bookings.

In addition to large orders from offices and colleges, the number of households ordering sadya has also grown this year. The wedding season has further boosted demand for Onasadyas. The catering industry estimates that the Onam business in Kerala this year is worth between Rs 350 and 400 crore.

Around 60 percent of sadya orders are for Thiruvonam day. Caterers usually accept bookings in advance for groups of five or more people. The cost for a group of five ranges between Rs 1,750 and Rs 2,000.

In hotels, individuals can get a sadya for as low as Rs 250. According to the All Kerala Caterers Association, prices vary based on the number of dishes offered. Many caterers avoid small orders due to the challenges of packaging and delivery.

In big hotels, sadya is more expensive, starting at Rs 800, and in luxury hotels, prices can reach Rs 2,600, including taxes. Bookings for Thiruvonam day have seen a significant rise in big hotels, and many are also offering home delivery services. Sadya will be delivered in special boxes, complete with banana leaf.

High demand for banana leaves

With the rise in sadya bookings, the demand for banana leaves has also increased. This year, Kerala has seen a boost in banana leaf imports, and it is estimated that leaves worth Rs 5 crore are sold in the state in just 10 days. This time, however, a 20 percent increase in sales is expected.

The price of a banana leaf starts at Rs 3, while a high-quality leaf costs Rs 5. Most of the orders come from the catering sector, and 70 percent of them were received in the first week of August. 

Since banana leaves are not easily available in urban areas, they are being imported from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The leaves used for sadya are light yellowish and mainly from the ‘Njalipoovan’ and ‘Thenvazha’ varieties. Banana leaves for households are usually sold in bundles of five or 10 leaves.

Additionally, paper banana leaves are now available for sale as an alternative.