Rising vegetable prices push up Sadhya costs this Onam season

Bengaluru: As Sunday marks Thiruvonam, it is that time of year to feast on 29 delicacies, a blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavours, on a banana leaf. The classic ‘Onam Sadhya' is being offered by many restaurants, cloud kitchens, and chefs with a range of delicacies; nevertheless, some are rather expensive. The prices range from Rs 600 to Rs 2,000, thanks to high demand and an increase in vegetable prices.
Onam Sadhya is the only way for Anagha Charly to stay a bit closer to home back in Thrissur, Kerala, but the high prices are making her compromise on traditions. The 24-year-old, who stays in SG Palya, said: "Celebrating one of the biggest festivals, Onam, away from home, and I badly want to have Sadhya, but the prices at all the hotels are so high I have to give it a miss. All the food outlets are selling for not less than Rs 500 in the city."
Sidaan Chelat, a 22-year-old MBA student at a private college, said: "This is my first time away from home (Kozhikode) and the prices in hotels are very high. I'll still have it. "
Charles KJ, director (food and beverage) of restaurants belonging to Chef Pillai Group, said the high price is because of the demand and vegetable price increase. "We've seen an increase in demand among customers also. Last year, we saw 1,200 reservations, but now our reservations are at 1,700, and many are walking in and taking away sections also. If we see that there is an increase in prices of vegetables and other commodities also, we end up increasing the price for each lunch. Compared to last year, we have increased our price by just Rs 100 — to Rs 1,200 per person — as we don't want to burden our customers."
Sagar K, manager of Salt Mango Tree, Indiranagar, said, "As there is an increase in demand among people, we've increased our prices for the Sadhya. Today, we served at least 800 people by evening, and tomorrow we're expecting around 1,000 customers. Last year, we sold it for Rs 1,400, but this year we're selling it for Rs 1,950. We've increased our prices as we are serving 33 varieties and aren't compromising on quality."
Jojo PJ, president of Bengaluru Malayali Forum, explained the significance of the Sadhya: "Onam is a traditional festival, and the main thing is the Sadhya (meal) and Pookalam (flower arrangement). It's a festival and harvest season. To celebrate it, people cook different dishes and eat it together with family as tradition and as a symbol of a good harvest."