Living in a nuclear Malayali family in Bengaluru, actress Sruthi Hariharan endeavours to uphold their traditions, even if it means observing celebrations with just her husband, Raam Kumar, and daughter Janki. Sruthi recalls her childhood memories of attending the annual Onam event at the East Cultural Association in Bengaluru, highlighting her fondness for the traditional sadhya dishes like payasam, aviyal, and sharkara upperi. She expresses her love for the sustainability aspect of aviyal, which was reportedly created using leftover vegetables to minimize waste.

Sruthi emphasizes the significance of Onam celebrations post her marriage to Raam, describing how they continue to uphold cultural practices by creating a pookalam, preparing a sadhya, and visiting a temple together. She notes that her daughter Janki, although part of a nuclear family in the city, enjoys participating in the festivities by assisting with the pookalam and learning elements of Kaikottikali, a Kerala folk dance. Through these celebrations, Sruthi and Raam strive to instill their cultural values in their daughter."We strive to uphold our traditions and culture by keeping our daughter connected to them," Sruthi explains. "It's important for Janki to observe and participate in our traditions, with the understanding that she can choose whether or not to continue them in the future. Our aim is to introduce her to the experiences that her parents have cherished from their own upbringing."

With Janki living away from Kerala, Sruthi emphasizes the significance of maintaining their cultural roots. "While it's crucial for her to engage in our traditions, it will ultimately be her decision whether to embrace and carry them forward. Our intention is to offer her a glimpse of the heritage that her parents have inherited," Sruthi explains.

When asked about her love for preparing a sadhya at home, Sruthi expresses, "It's quite straightforward. Cooking a special meal for your loved ones and sharing an intimate moment together on a significant occasion - that's the true essence of Onam."