Kerala Prisons to Include Spicy Chicken Curry in Onam Feast

Correctional facilities in Kerala are gearing up to serve a sumptuous Onasadya feast, complete with flavorful chicken curry, to inmates this year. Prepared by the inmates themselves, the traditional feast will be served on banana leaves, featuring not only the customary payasam but also the addition of spicy chicken curry. Across the state’s 56 prisons, more than 9500 inmates are anticipated to partake in the festive meal.

In the Kannur Central Jail, catering to around 1050 prisoners, the special Onam dishes include ghee rice, chicken curry, salad, and palpayasam. For those adhering to a vegetarian diet, cauliflower and dal curry will also be provided.

Even the Women’s Prison and Correctional Home in Kannur are set to celebrate with a Sadya feast enriched by the inclusion of chicken curry, serving all 150 inmates. As an added treat, breakfast on Onam day will feature parotta and curry, while tea and snacks will be available in the evening.

At the Open Prison and Correctional Home in Cheemeni, chicken curry will be absent from the menu. Instead, inmates can enjoy a variety of dishes like pachadi, kichadi, and payasam. Additionally, chicken curry will accompany breakfast options like puttu and chapati. Jail officers will collaborate with the inmates in preparing the Sadya and other dishes.

Sadya: A Celebratory Tradition Within Kerala’s prison system

Sadya is a culinary delight served on ten distinct occasions including Vishu, Ramzan, Bakrid, Christmas, Easter, Independence Day, Republic Day, Gandhi Jayanti, Onam, and Kerala Piravi. In open prisons, Sadya is also prepared during harvest festivals.