Onam Sadya or feast is at the heart of the Onam celebrations every year. Onam is not merely a harvest festival. It is a 10 day cultural extravaganza with the idea of family, community and culture at its very centre. The Sadya feast consists of 20+ dishes and is usually prepared in potluck style (tasks divided among family members). Everyone eats together, seated on the floor, served on banana leaves and there are a host of cultural activities that follow - dances, games and festivities, like a Mela. It is best enjoyed when eaten with your hands and shared with the ones you love.