Onam is over. But, the season of the ritualistic feast, Vallasadya, continues at the heritage village of Aranmula.
Vallasadya is a sumptuous feast given in traditional style to the crew of a Palliyodam (snakeboat) by devotees as an offering to the presiding deity at the centuries-old Sree Parthasarathy Temple on the banks of the Pampa at Aranmula.
Though the origin of snakeboat pageantry, Vallamkali, dates back to three centuries, there is no definite reference available on the origin of Vallasadya, says Mohanakshan Nair, Sanskrit scholar.
The snakeboats of Aranmula are known as Palliyodams, which means vessels belonging to the deity. Devotees offer the feast to the snakeboat crew, treating them as representatives of Lord Parthasarathy, during the Onam season.
78 days
The number of Vallasadya offered at the temple is on the rise every year, forcing the authorities to extend the period of Vallasadya to 78 days in recent times. The bookings for the Vallasadya have crossed 450 this year, says K.G. Sasidharan Pillai, president of the Palliyoda Seva Sanghom that organises the event.
Presently, 51 karayogams in and around Aranmula have their own Palliyodams. As per the custom, devotees who offer the Vallasadya have to invite the snakeboat crew of their choice. The boat crew, singing Vanchippattu, hymns in praise of Lord Krishna, will reach the temple ghats in their snakeboats for the feast. They will be accorded a rousing reception at the temple ghats.
64 dishes
They circumambulate the temple, singing Vanchippattu with the accompaniments of ceremonial umbrellas and claps in tune with the song.
The feast is served at the temple Oottupura (dining hall) immediately after the mid-day ritual, Utchapuja. Top quality boiled rice and 64 dishes are served. The items served at the Vallasadya include different kinds of fried items, pickles, sweet and sour curries, payasoms and even a small piece of dressed sugarcane stick.
Another interesting aspect about the Vallasadya is that guests (boat crew) demand more servings of rice and side dishes in typical Vanchippattu style and the host is supposed to serve whatever item they ask for.
Mega feast
The annual mega feast, popularly known as Ashtami Rohini Vallasadya in which as many as one lakh people are expected to attend, will be held on the sprawling temple premises on the Sree Krishna Janmashtami day on Saturday.
