Living in a nuclear Malayali family in Bengaluru, actor Sruthi Hariharan strives to uphold their traditions, even if it means observing festivities with only her husband, Raam Kumar, and daughter Janki. In a conversation with Bangalore Times, Sruthi reminisces about her childhood experiences of celebrating Onam at the East Cultural Association in Bengaluru. She fondly recalls indulging in the traditional sadhya served there, with flavors that still linger on her palate. The actress emphasizes her love for Onam and its essential components such as payasam, aviyal, and sharkara upperi. Sruthi also highlights her preference for aviyal due to its sustainability aspect, being a dish created from leftover vegetables to minimize waste. Since marrying Raam, who hails from a Malayali background, Sruthi has amplified her Onam celebrations. She emphasizes the significance of observing rituals like creating a pookalam, having a sadhya, visiting a temple, and cherishing these traditions. Sruthi and Raam are committed to passing on their cultural heritage to their daughter, Janki, who eagerly participates in the festivities by assisting with the pookalam and learning elements of Kaikottikali, despite the challenges of being a nuclear family in an urban setting.Sruthi emphasizes the importance of passing down traditions and culture to her daughter, Janki. She and her husband, Raam, make an effort to ensure Janki remains connected to their roots. While they want Janki to witness and participate in their traditions, they also believe it will be her choice whether to continue them in the future. Their aim is to provide her with a glimpse of their upbringing. Despite living away from Kerala, Sruthi stresses the significance of Janki staying true to their heritage. She hopes that Janki will choose to embrace and carry forward their traditions while acknowledging that the decision ultimately lies with her. When discussing the joy of preparing a traditional meal like sadhya at home, Sruthi expresses that it's about creating food with love for cherished ones and enjoying a special meal together on important occasions, such as Onam. She believes that the true essence of the festival lies in celebrating with family and friends.