Floral Thoughts

Flowers may not be part of the Raksha Bandhan ritual in the same way as the rakhi itself, roli, rice or sweets, but they have become a natural part of modern Rakhi gifting. They work especially well when you want to send affection without choosing an overly personal or complicated gift. The harder question is: which flowers should you choose for Raksha Bandhan? A red rose bouquet can look beautiful,...

Choosing a Raksha Bandhan gift sounds easy until you actually have to pick one. Your brother may insist that he does not need anything. Your sister may already buy herself everything she likes. And when your sibling lives in another city, the question changes from simply “What should I gift?” to “What can I send that will actually feel personal when it arrives?” A thoughtful Rakhi gift does not need...

Running out of time does not mean your Onam gift has to feel like an afterthought. Flowers, cakes, chocolates and selected gift combinations can all make thoughtful last-minute Onam surprises when chosen according to the recipient, delivery location and actual delivery availability. The important difference is that last-minute gifting requires a little more practicality. A highly personalised gift that takes days to prepare may not be suitable when Onam is...

Onasadya is the traditional feast associated with Onam in Kerala, bringing together an elaborate selection of dishes served on a banana leaf. For many families, it is one of the most anticipated parts of the festival and an important part of celebrating Thiruvonam together. But what exactly is served in an Onam Sadya? Why is the meal served on a banana leaf? Is there a particular order for serving the...

Pookalam flowers are an essential part of traditional Onam celebrations in Kerala. Historically, families created these colourful floral carpets using locally available flowers such as Thumba, Chethi, Chemparathy, Sankhupushpam, Jamanthi, Kongini and Mukuthi. Today, traditional flowers are often combined with marigolds, roses and other readily available blooms to create colourful Onam Pookalams. But which flowers are traditionally used for Pookalam? Does every flower have to be traditional? And how should...

Onam 2026 will be celebrated with Thiruvonam on Wednesday, 26 August 2026. One of Kerala’s most important festivals, Onam brings together traditions such as Pookalam flower decorations, Onasadya, new clothes, family gatherings, cultural performances, and the legendary homecoming of King Mahabali. Although Onam is deeply connected with Kerala, families across India and around the world celebrate the festival today. Some create elaborate Pookalams and prepare a traditional Sadya, while others...