Aranmula Vallasadya- The holy feast for Oarsmen

Valla sadya is a ritualistic feast given to the oarsmen of Palliyodams (the holy snake boats) and is usually sponsored by the devotees as an offering to the Lord ParthaSarathy(Lord Srikrishna), the presiding deity at Aranmula Sree ParthaSarathy Temple. The feast start in the month of Karkkidakom (Mid of July) and will continue for about two and half months. On all these days, the oarsmen from different places reach the temple in their respective boats, keep on singing Vanchipattu, the song of the oarsmen, praising Lord Parthasarathy. The feast starts immediately after the Pooja (ritual worship by the priest) at noon.


Oarsmen of Palliyodams singing Vanchipattu at Aranmula Parthasarathi temple

Palliyodams
The oarsmen offer Nirapara ( grains/rice in a specific unit) to the presiding deity at Nadappanthal in front of the golden mast and go round the temple chanting Krishna bhajans (Vanchi pattu). The entire atmosphere is charged with the rhythmic Vanchi pattu. All these snake boats participate in the Uthrattathi Vallamkali (regatta) on the River Pampa during Onam celebration.

Oarsmen are ceremoniously received by the devotees, who offered the feast. 
On the day of Ashtami Rohini, birthday of Lord Srikrishna, the Valla sadya is conducted for all the devotees and usually over a 100 thousand people attend. Almost all the Palliodams attend this feast. The belief is that Lord Krishna himself is coming to the feast, but disguised as an ordinary man.


The Sadya is sumptuous and is served with variety of dishes. The feast is pure vegetarian and include Kerala special dishes like Sambar, Kalan, Olan, Aviyal, Thoran, Pachadi, Kichadi, Adapradhaman, Kaya varuthathu, Sarkkara Upperi, Pulisseri, Rasam, Paddam, etc.
Variety dishes served in plantain leaf.
There is no Vallasadya on the day of Uthrattadi Vallamkali and on Onam day. The two month long event is jointly organized by Palliyoda Seva Sanghom and Travancore Devaswom Board.

Location / Access: The temple is situated at Aranmula on the banks of the River Pampa in Pathanamthitta district. 10km from Chegannur railway station.


Important dates in 2018
05 Aug- 06 Oct 2019: Vallasadya (except Onam-11 Sept 2019 & on Uthrattathi Vallamkali day )
23 Aug 2019: Ashtami Rohini-Samooha Sadya, feast for all
15 Sept 2019: Aranmula Uthrattathi Vallamkali
For info:
Secretary, Palliyoda Seva Sangham,
Aranmula, Pathanamyhotta, Kerala, India
Ph (Office): +91 468- 2313010

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