Onam 2022: 9 Best dishes to celebrate Thiruvonam

From food to festivals, there are many things one should never miss from God's own country, Kerala. As the Keralites celebrate Thiruvonam today by bonding with their loved ones and friends over an elaborate 'sadhya', we list some of the special meals prepared during Onam, the 10-day harvest festival celebrated in south India.

Paruppu Payasam: This traditional Indian sweet pudding is made using milk, grains, lentils and jaggery or sugar. It is a special dessert that is generally prepared on festive occasions. Credit: Getty Images

Avial: A thick blend of coconut and vegetables, seasoned with coconut oil and curry leaves. Avial is considered an essential part of the 'sadhya', a must-have in the Keralite vegetarian feast. Credit: Soham Shoney

Banana Chips: No Sadhya is ever complete without these crunchy Banana chips. These wafers can either be fried in oil or dried with spices and have a salty and/or spicy taste. Credit: Getty Images

Kichadi: A sour curry is made of curd, ash gourd or cucumber, coconut, mustard seeds and curry leaves and is usually served as a side dish for rice. Credit: Surekha Hegde

Olan: Olan a classic dish made with ash gourd and cowpea/black-eyed pea tastes is served especially during Onam. It tastes best with steamed rice and can also be served along with sambar and rice. Credit: Surekha Hegde

Pal Payasam: Onam 'sadhya' is incomplete without pal payasam, a sweet dish made of milk, sugar and other traditional Indian savouries. Credit: Getty Images

Shakara Upperi: This snack is very popular in Kerala and is made out of jaggery. Credit: Getty Images

Pulisseri: This is a thick, sour yellow-coloured curry, made with sour curd and cucumber. Credit: Getty Images