Chingam 1 2024 Date: Explore Malayalam New Year Special Food Ideas From Traditional Sadhya to Payasam for the Day

Chingam 1, the first day of the Malayalam month of Chingam, marks the beginning of the Malayalam New Year and signals the onset of the Onam festival season in Kerala. Celebrated in mid-August, this day signifies the start of a new cycle in the Malayalam calendar and is associated with the arrival of the harvest season. Families begin their preparations for the grand Onam festivities by cleaning and decorating their homes, often creating intricate flower carpets known as Pook kalam to welcome the auspicious period. As you observe Chingam 1, 2024, we at LatestLY have brought together a collection of five popular and traditional dishes that are commonly prepared to mark the occasion. Delicious Dishes That You Can Prepare To Celebrate the Malayalam New Year.

Chingam 1 2024 will be observed on Saturday, August 17. The celebrations during Chingam 1 set the tone for the vibrant and culturally rich Onam festivities. This includes planning and preparing the traditional Onam Sadhya, a lavish feast featuring an array of Kerala's signature dishes. A sense of renewal and anticipation marks the day as communities come together to celebrate the legendary return of King Mahabali and embrace the joyful spirit of the harvest season.

Onam Sadhya: This is a grand feast that includes a variety of dishes served on a banana leaf. Some key components of the Onam Sadhya include Sambhar which is a savoury, spiced lentil stew with vegetables and Rasam which is a tangy, spicy soup made with tamarind and spices, often served as a side.

Avial: A mixed vegetable dish cooked with yoghurt, coconut, and a blend of spices. It is known for its rich and creamy texture and is a staple in the Onam feast.

Thoran: A dry, stir-fried vegetable dish mixed with grated coconut and spices. Common variations include Beans Thoran or Cabbage Thoran, which add a crunchy and flavourful element to the meal.

Pulao: A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, vegetables, and sometimes meat or lentils.

Vegetable Pulao is a popular choice for the Onam feast, providing a hearty and flavourful option.

Payasam: A traditional dessert made from rice, lentils, or vermicelli cooked in milk and sweetened with sugar or jaggery. Popular varieties include Palada Payasam (rice flakes cooked in milk) and Garippo Payasam (lentil-based sweet).

These dishes reflect the rich culinary heritage of Kerala and are integral to the celebratory atmosphere of Chingam 1 and Onam.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 14, 2024 08:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).