Living in a nuclear Malayali family in Bengaluru, actress Sruthi Hariharan strives to uphold their traditions, even if it means observing festivities with only her husband, Raam Kumar, and daughter Janki. Reflecting on her childhood memories of attending Onam celebrations at the East Cultural Association in Bengaluru, Sruthi fondly recalls indulging in the traditional sadhya there. She expresses her deep love for dishes like payasam, aviyal, and sharkara upperi, highlighting the sustainability aspect of aviyal that resonates with her values. Following her marriage to Raam, Sruthi shares that their Onam festivities have intensified, marked by rituals like decorating their home with a pookalam, preparing and enjoying a special sadhya, and visiting a temple on the tenth day. Sruthi emphasizes the importance of passing down cultural values to their daughter, Janki, who eagerly participates in the celebrations by assisting with the pookalam and learning elements of Kaikottikali dance. Although they are a nuclear family in an urban setting, the couple is committed to preserving their Malayali heritage for future generations.Sruthi emphasizes the importance of their family traditions and culture, saying that she and Raam strive to instill these values in their daughter, Janki. While it is crucial for Janki to observe and participate in their customs, it will ultimately be her decision whether she continues them in the future. The main aim is to introduce her to the heritage that her parents have cherished.
Living outside of Kerala, Sruthi stresses the significance of Janki maintaining a connection to their roots. Although Sruthi believes it is essential for her daughter to witness and engage in their traditions, she acknowledges that Janki will have the freedom to decide if she wants to carry them forward. Their objective remains to provide her with a glimpse of her parents' upbringing.
When asked about her favorite part of cooking a traditional sadhya meal at home, Sruthi explains that it is about preparing food for loved ones and enjoying a heartfelt and special meal with family on a significant occasion like Onam. This, she believes, encapsulates the true essence of the festival - celebrating with cherished ones.