Find out what four Malayali expatriates have to say about how they keep the tradition of Kerala alive, being so far away from home

Text:  Aiswarya John  Feature Image : Various souces 

It is that time of the year again when Malayalis from all over the world hunt for their carefully preserved Kasavu saris, settu mundu, and their antique temple jewellery passed down to them as precious family heirlooms.

For the Malayali expatriates, it is the one time of the year when they get together and set aside their religious preferences, taking the effort to preserve and recreate the spirit and traditions of their homeland, and paying tribute to their cultural heritage.

FWD got in touch with four such individuals, living in different parts of the world, where they talk about how their Onam celebrations and costumes are just as grand as the ones in Kerala.

RUBY GEORGE, MUSCAT

• What is currently trending there, in regards to Onam?

  Normally whatever is newly introduced in the market in Kerala is brought forth here as well, as the residents constantly travel to Kerala, and are aware of the latest trends.

• How would you repurpose your Onam saree?

  I would always stick to the traditional sari, however I wouldn’t mind experimenting with the pallu and innovative designs for the embroidery.

• Do you make it a point to ensure your children are in touch with the traditions and culture of Kerala?

  The feeling of being a Keralite comes through enjoying such festivals withthe family and friends. I never miss the opportunity to celebrate it everyyear. My children are aware of the tradition and culture.

• What would you pass down as an heirloom to your children?

  My old “kavani” sari, or even “mundu”, and my jewellery ofcourse, are what I would love to hand down to my children.

• The most-popular shopping spots for Kerala-related accessories there.

  All supermarkets like LULU, MARS and KMT get geared up to celebrate this festival, so finding accessories is not a problem here.

• How would you best try and communicate the culture of Kerala through your outfit?

  Wearing the traditional outfit, with chandana kuri, mullapoo, and traditional jewellery. I will also introduce the sadhya and traditional payasam from Kerala.

• What are you wearing this Onam?

  I’ll be wearing my kavani saree.

SMITHA BALAKRISHNAN, THE USA

• What is currently trending there, in regards to Onam?

  In clothing and accessories, there has been not much of a change in the last few years. In terms of décor, lamps and the pookalam are currently in.

• How would you repurpose your Onam saree?

  I would love to convert the Onam sari into a beautiful embroidered tablecloth or curtains.

• Do you make it a point to ensure your children are in touch with the traditions and culture of Kerala?

  Yes! They are well aware of the traditions, and are always interested in knowing more about Kerala, and are familiar with the stories of Mahabali.

• What would you pass down as an heirloom to your children?

  The wooden onathappan I got specially made once during my trip to Kerala. They are usually made out of clay, but I got this custom-made in wood and hand-painted it with my son.

• The most-popular shopping spots for Kerala-related accessories there.

  There aren’t many shopping spots for Onam and Kerala related accessories. My friends and I purchase our items on diyacrafts.com

• How would you best try and communicate the culture of Kerala through your outfit?

  I would keep my tradition alive by donning the traditional and modest Kerala sari.

• What are you wearing this Onam?

  I’ll be wearing a set-sari, beautiful temple jewellery, mullapoo in the hair and ofcourse, a bindi.

BINU GEORGE, DUBAI

• What is currently trending there, in regards to Onam?

  The kasavu fashioned into a long, stylish kurti, or a tunic paired with tapered pants or palazzos. Clunky jewelry has given way to more delicate and elegant patterns. Fresh flowers never go out of fashion as this is perhaps one of those rare days when we get to accessorize with some fragrant jasmine strings

• How would you repurpose your Onam saree?

  I would remodel the Kerala saree to make a long kurti, or convert it into a lehenga set for my daughter.

• Do you make it a point to ensure your children are in touch with the traditions and culture of Kerala?

  Absolutely! My children miss no opportunity to dress up in traditional attire for Onam. Everyone makes it a point to dress up in their traditional best. Not just that, I’m fortunate to work for an organization that celebrates diversity at work. Athapookalam competition, Onam Sadya and seeing employees of different nationalities dressed in ethnic wear are the highlight of Onam every year.

• What would you pass down as an heirloom to your children? (Kerala-related only)

  It would have to be a “mundu” that belonged to my late father-in- law that we would like to pass on to our son for sentimental reasons. Likewise, it would be a temple-design ivory and gold saree of my mother-in- law’s thatwe would like to see our daughter draped in some day.

• The most-popular shopping spots for Kerala-related accessories there.

  Karama and Meena Bazaar in Bur Dubai are the hot spots and one-stop shopping destination for all our Onam shopping. Not just clothes and accessories, but you can find everything you need from banana leaves tofresh flowers in this area.

• How would you best try and communicate the culture of Kerala through your outfit?

  I hope my outfit is a fusion of tradition and modernity will be able to depict the culture of my state.

• What are you wearing this Onam?

  This year I would be wearing a long kurti in vibrant red, white and gold with ankle length pants. I prefer intricate earrings and some simple gold bangles. And definitely some fresh flowers to complete the look.

DEEPTHI BALACHANDRAN, AUSTRALIA

 

• What is currently trending there, in regards to Onam?

  Kerala saris with mural paintings of Gods and Goddesses are currently in amongst the Malayalis here. They prefer teaming the look with statement jewellery in the form of chunky necklaces and earrings.

• How would you repurpose your Onam saree?

  I wouldn’t want to change anything about the sari as it’s got its own charm and appeal as it is.

• Do you make it a point to ensure your children are in touch with the traditions and culture of Kerala?

  Yes, I definitely make it a point that they are closely linked to their homeland. They celebrate Onam with all the festive spirit and are always excited to wear the pattu-pavada and traditional mundu.

• What would you pass down as an heirloom to your children?

  I would pass down a set sari, a palakka necklace, a kashe (coin) necklace, and a pair of jhumki earrings.

• The most-popular shopping spots for Kerala-related accessories there.

  Liverpool in Harris Park is definitely popular amongst the Malayali community here as they keep all trendy Indian accessories and clothes.

• How would you best try and communicate the culture of Kerala through your outfit?

  The traditional kasavu sari, mullapoo in my hair, temple jewellery, designing the pookalam, and having the onam sadhya would best translate the heritage of my homeland.

• What are you wearing this Onam?

  I will be wearing a beautiful Kerala sari with temple design, a matching blouse with elbow-sleeves and a wide-cut back. For accessories, I will be opting for a hand-full of gold bangles, jhumki earrings, a simple gold chain and a stone bindi.