Ather Energy, the electric two-wheeler manufacturer, recently held an Onam celebration at its office, treating employees to a traditional sadya feast. However, the festive gathering quickly turned controversial after a social media post highlighted an unexpected addition to the traditional Kerala meal: chapati.
The post, shared by co-founder Tarun Mehta on X (formerly Twitter), showcased the celebration, but one particular image caught the eye of viewers—a chapati included in the sadya. This led to widespread outrage on social media, with users criticizing the company for straying from the authentic vegetarian feast typically served during Kerala’s biggest cultural festival.
The Onam sadya is a hallmark of the festival, featuring an elaborate spread that includes dishes like avial, pachadi, erissery, and payasam, all traditionally served on a banana leaf. Onam celebrates the return of the mythical King Mahabali and is a significant cultural event for the people of Kerala.
The inclusion of chapati, a staple associated with northern Indian cuisine, was perceived by many as a cultural misstep. For them, the sadya represents not just a meal but a vital symbol of tradition, togetherness, and Kerala’s rich culinary heritage.
Mehta’s post drew immediate attention, prompting strong reactions from X users. One user, Sidin Vadukut, expressed his outrage, saying, “If that is a chapati, then the rest of my life is dedicated to taking down this company. Apologies, you seem like nice people. But there is a limit. And you have crossed it.”
Another user voiced frustration, remarking, “Vadaks (people from the north) stop butchering south Indian culture challenge.”
Lavanya shared her disappointment, stating, “Why take something authentic and ruin it? No one would have had a problem if you guys had got a North Indian meal box for everyone! It’s a harvest festival after all.”
Devika Rajeevelse added, “Much as I love it when non-Malayalis celebrate Onam, I really must draw the line at rotis as part of sadya. Pliss stop this madness!”
Onam, celebrated from September 6 to 15 this year, is a crucial aspect of Kerala’s cultural identity. The sadya, which means "banquet," symbolises abundance, prosperity, and community, consisting of around 24 to 28 dishes served in a specific order to represent harmony between nature, culture, and the spirit of sharing.