Summary
The meal includes traditional dishes such as rice, dal, pappad, pachadi, avial, and pickles, served on plantain leaves
Monkeys arrive in groups, eat their share, and the practice has continued for many decades as part of the temple’s customs
Key Points
4 points1
The tradition reflects the belief that the joy of Onam should extend to animals living near the temple
2
Around forty monkeys live in a small forested area next to the temple and are fed regularly, not only during Onam
3
Monkeys that live inside the temple grounds are welcomed, while those from outside are not allowed to enter
4
The feast is called ‘vanara sadya’ and is considered a sign of respect and harmony with nature
New Words to Learn
8 wordsOnam
a major harvest festival in the Indian state of Kerala, celebrated with elaborate meals and cultural events
Dal
a dish made from split pulses such as lentils, cooked until soft
Pappad
a thin, crisp snack made from rice or lentil flour, often served with meals
Pachadi
a side dish that can be sweet or sour, made with fruit, vegetables, or coconut
Avial
a mixed vegetable stew flavored with coconut and spices
Plantain leaves
large, sturdy leaves used as natural plates for serving food in many Indian traditions
Vanara sadya
the term used for the monkey feast, meaning a meal for the monkeys
Devotees
people who regularly visit a temple to worship and make offerings
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