Living in a nuclear Malayali family in Bengaluru, actress Sruthi Hariharan strives to uphold their traditions by celebrating with her husband, Raam Kumar, and daughter Janki. Recalling her fond memories of attending the annual Onam event at the East Cultural Association in Bengaluru during her childhood, Sruthi expresses her love for the traditional Onam feast, known as sadhya, particularly enjoying dishes like payasam, aviyal, and sharkara upperi. She emphasizes the significance of sustainability in the preparation of aviyal, which originated as a way to use leftover vegetables, resonating with her values.

Since marrying into a Malayali household, Sruthi's Onam festivities have expanded, with the couple placing a pookalam at home, preparing a sadhya on the tenth day, and visiting a temple to mark the occasion. Sruthi and her husband prioritize passing down cultural values to their daughter, Janki, who eagerly participates in the celebrations by assisting with the pookalam and learning aspects of Kaikottikali, a Kerala folk dance. Despite the challenges of being a nuclear family in an urban setting, the family cherishes their traditions and finds joy in celebrating Onam together.Sruthi emphasizes the importance of preserving their traditions and culture for their daughter, Janki. While they make an effort to involve her in their customs, they understand that it will ultimately be her choice to continue them. Sruthi, who resides away from Kerala, believes it is crucial for Janki to stay connected to their heritage. She aims to introduce Janki to their traditions while allowing her the freedom to decide their significance in her life. For Sruthi, the essence of celebrating Onam is being surrounded by loved ones. When asked about her love for preparing a sadhya at home, she expresses that it is a special way to share a meal with family on this festive occasion.