G Writes

  Onam has always been more than just a festival. For me, it has always been about being at home—with family, friends, and loved ones. The flowers, the laughter, the new clothes, and of course, the grand sadya—it was never about just traditions, but about the feeling of togetherness. When I think back to my childhood, my first memories of Onam take me to Mavelikara, my mother’s home. I can still recall the open spaces filled with countless flowers, the playful chaos of cousins running around, and the joy of slipping into brand-new dresses. Those days had a vibe of their own. Later, in Kottayam, Onam turned into a more intimate affair, but the spirit remained just as strong. After the festival, all of us cousins would gather at my great-grandmother’s house—a yearly reunion that we cherished deeply. My great-grandmother was the pillar that held our family together. She was a woman of wisdom and warmth, with a childlike charm that drew us to her. I remember her slipping small amou...

The Malayalam month of Karkidakam is known for its intense prayers, fasting, and austere lifestyle. Devotees across Kerala recite the Ramayana every day during this month, carrying out rituals believed to bring spiritual and mental benefits. This month is marked by heavy rains and the transition of the sun from one 'rasi' to the next, an event called 'sankramam'. This period, filled with rituals like lighting traditional lamps and chanting prayers to the Sun, is considered highly auspicious. Importance of Karkidakam Karkidakam, falling during the peak of the monsoon, is associated with a heightened risk of illnesses due to the weather conditions. This month is seen as a time for rejuvenation and preparation for the new year starting in Chingam. Traditionally, people use this time to purify their minds and bodies through Ayurvedic treatments such as uzhichil (massaging), medicinal therapies, and consuming Karkidaka Kanji, a special medicinal porridge. The Malayalam calen...