For a couple who has spent Kerala’s mostloved festival in a host of countries, it comes as a relief that the Onam of 2009 will be spent together with family and friends. “After all, Onam is a short form for ‘onaavanam’ which means to become one,” says renowned playback singer Unni Menon who will be celebrating Onam in Chennai. His wife Sashila, however, is on a well-deserved break.
“Every year, I cook the entire sadya or feast. But this time we’re ordering in for a change,” she says. “But the payasam is something I’ll be making at home,” she beams.
Every Onam sees the Malayalis get creative with the pookalam (flower carpet). This year Sashila and her two sons plan to decorate their doorstep, welcoming Mahabali. Having celebrated the festival in the UK last year, this year the Menons are going all out to ensure that Onam is celebrated in the bet possible way — with flowers, food, friends and family.
Onam is a very special occasion for the Menons as it was during Onam holidays in Kerala that Sashila and Unni first met each other, a chance meeting that blossomed into marriage. “So wherever we are, we make it a point to celebrate it in the best possible way,” says Unni.
Twenty five years of celebrating Onam. Twenty five years of togetherness. After all, that’s what Onam is all about.