Ather Energy’s Onam celebration at their Bengaluru office has stirred controversy online after a social media post revealed an unusual addition to the traditional Kerala meal: chapati. The festive event, meant to honor the cultural festival with a traditional sadya, included chapati—a staple of North Indian cuisine—prompting criticism from social media users.
The issue came to light through a post by Ather’s co-founder, Tarun Mehta, on X (formerly Twitter). The post showcased the celebration, but a particular image of the sadya featuring chapati drew widespread ire. Critics argued that incorporating chapati into the sadya, which traditionally features dishes like avial, pachadi, and payasam served on a banana leaf, was a cultural misstep.
The Onam sadya is a cornerstone of the festival, symbolizing Kerala’s rich culinary heritage and the return of the mythical King Mahabali. The inclusion of chapati, seen as incongruous with this traditional feast, led to comments like those from Sidin Vadukut, who expressed strong disapproval, and Lavanya, who suggested a separate North Indian meal box would have been preferable.
Despite the backlash, Ather Energy’s celebration underscores the blending of cultures but also highlights the importance of respecting traditional customs. Onam, celebrated from September 6 to 15 this year, remains a significant cultural event in Kerala, symbolizing community and prosperity.
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