Stung by exorbitant rise in the prices of essential items, including skyrocketing prices for coconut oil and raw coconut, the sumptuous Onam feast served on plantain leaf, consisting of a wide variety of dishes, will likely be a costly affair for Keralites this year. Setting the trend ahead of Onam, thousands of caterers engaged in the business of preparing Onasadya, the traditional feast, have started taking bookings.
As per the price list of the All Kerala Caterers Association, the largest body of caterers with over 4,000 caterers across the State, the price of an average Onam feast with 23 dishes will be around ₹500 per person this year.
Coconut oil prices singe household budgets in Kerala
Speaking to The Hindu, Balan Kalyani, chief of Kalyani Catering and Events, said a bucket meal (also known as a box meal) for five persons, including 23 dishes and plantain leaf, is charged ₹2,500 this time, an increase of around ₹500 charged during the festive season of Vishu in April 2025. If there are bulk orders, the feast could be served in the range of ₹350-₹380 per head.
This is the average price of the Onam feast served by caterers. There are even hotels that started receiving bookings for Onasadya at ₹999. There would be some minor changes in the menu of caterers depending on the wish list of customers. The rise in prices is mainly due to the skyrocketing price of essentials, especially coconut oil and raw coconut, said Mr. Kalyani.
