It’s been a long time since I celebrated Onam in India with my extended family and relatives. For me, the very mention of Onam brings back the fragrance of vibrant floral carpets (pookkalams), the elegance of the kasavu saree, and the joy of the sumptuous sadya served on fresh banana leaves. I can still picture the entire family sitting together to finalize the menu—endless discussions and playful arguments over which payasams to prepare, before deciding who makes what. Eventually, we would all gather in one house, like a beautiful potluck, to enjoy the sadya together.
I fondly remember my mother-in-law waking up at dawn to perform the Pooja of Thrikkakara Appan (Lord Vishnu in his Vamana avatar). At home, Thrikkakara Appan was made as a small pyramidal clay structure, placed near the pookkalam for worship. Resting on a peetham over a plantain leaf, with a sacred kalam drawn in rice batter beside it, this simple ritual filled the air with divinity and reflected the true spirit of Onam.
Onam is truly magical—it binds families together, awakens nostalgia, and celebrates the essence of Kerala’s traditions, food, art, and culture. Even when celebrated far away from home, it carries with it the fragrance of flowers, the rhythm of vallamkali (boat races), and above all, the warmth of togetherness.
Wishing everyone a very Happy Thiruvonam ❤️
Blessmesai 