Ather Energy gets flak for serving chapatti in Onam Sadhya: 'There's a limit'

Comments on X quickly turned critical, as users pointed out the glaring inconsistency. (Image: @tarunsmehta/X)

Ather Energy, the electric two-wheeler manufacturer, has drawn criticism online after a post of its Onam celebration at the office went viral. In the pictures, the company’s co-founders Tarun Mehta and Swapnil Jain, were seen in traditional Kerala attire, the mundu. An image also showed all the employees indulging in a festive Onam Sadhya. However, the inclusion of chapatti in the traditional meal led to widespread backlash from netizens.

The post, shared by Mehta on X, showed employees celebrating Onam with a Sadhya, a feast served on banana leaves, which is an integral part of the festival. Onam is Kerala’s biggest cultural festival, marking the return of the mythical king Mahabali. The Sadhya, consisting of an elaborate vegetarian meal with dishes like avial, sambar, and payasam, is a key highlight of the celebrations.

Onam at Ather office today!Onashamsakal! pic.twitter.com/xelzpAl63Q

Tarun Mehta (@tarunsmehta) September 11, 2024

Comments on X quickly turned critical, as users pointed out the glaring inconsistency: chapatti, a staple in northern India, does not belong in the traditional Sadhya. One user remarked, “If that is a chapatti, 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.”

Others expressed dismay at the deviation from tradition, stating, “Much as I love it when non-Malayalis celebrate Onam, I really must draw the line at rotis as part of Sadhya. Please stop this madness!”

In addition to the chapatti controversy, some users took note of the way the mundu was tied, claiming that both founders had tied it on the left side, a style more common among Tamils.  “Malayalis tie the mundu on the right side. Why are both mundus tied on the left? This one looks readymade,” commented another user.

"Fire your cook dude! Chapatti in Onam Sadhya?" a user remarked.

Meanwhile, Onam this year will be observed from September 6 to September 15.

The traditional Onam Sadhya is a grand vegetarian feast celebrated during Onam, Kerala’s biggest cultural festival. Sadhya, meaning “banquet” in Malayalam, is a key element of Onam festivities and is typically served on a banana leaf. It symbolises abundance, prosperity, and togetherness, with a spread of over 24 to 28 dishes that highlight the richness of Kerala’s culinary heritage.

ALSO READ: Onam 2024: 5 Essential Sadhya dishes & how to make Kaalan, a banana and yam curry

It is traditionally served in a specific order, with each dish placed on specific parts of the banana leaf, starting from salty items like pickles and progressing to the sweeter courses. This meal represents the harmony between nature, culture, and the spirit of sharing, integral to the Onam festival.