Hectic schedules and the busy city life are prompting Kochiites to use catering services to celebrate the much coveted Onasadya.
The traditional 26-dish Sadhya is beyond imagination for many families residing in the city, so many are preparing to welcome Onam by unwrapping well-packed dishes along with payasams.
Paucity of time has made changes to the Onasadya and these days, households just need to prepare rice for their families as dishes such as sambar, avial, kalan, koottucurry, two types of payasams and ela (banana leaf) will be delivered to their homes by various caterers in the city, freeing them from the bother of slaving over a hot stove.
Vinayaka Caterers, one of the most popular in the city, has issued 4,500 coupons for this year’s festival.
“We are taking orders for a minimum of 10 people and the sadya will be ready by 9.30 am on Onam day,” said Anantharaman, owner of Vinayaka Caterers.
The proprietor of Akshya Caterers, Krishna Iyer, said the demand for Onasadyas is growing every season.
“We just issue 600 coupons and are charging Rs 500 for a pack for five people. The demand is increasing and if we provide 50,000 coupons, people are there to buy.”
He says he is getting enquiries not only from the city but also from Aluva, Irumbanam, Muv-attupuzha and Fort Kochi.
The trend is also visible in Onam lunches offered by hoteliers in the city. This year, star hotels are charging between Rs 750 and Rs 1,000 per head, and the demand is only increasing, said a restaurateur.