In the bustling city of Mumbai, renowned for its vibrant diversity, the air buzzed with excitement as two grand festivals—Ganesh Chaturthi and Onam—converged. Amid the towering buildings and crowded streets, people from all walks of life came together, blending traditions in the true spirit of a Mumbaikar.
Anand, a Chartered Accountant from Delhi, and Shweta, a Doctor from Ahmedabad though raised in different cities, shared deep roots in Kerala. Now settled in Mulund East, the couple looked forward to celebrating both Ganesh Chaturthi and Onam, reflecting the unique cultural fusion that Mumbai effortlessly nurtured. They decided to embrace both their Keralite heritage and their newfound Mumbaikar traditions within the warm walls of their home.
In preparation for Ganesh Chaturthi, they brought home a beautifully sculpted idol of Lord Ganesha. A stunning stage adorned with vibrant decorations and twinkling lights became the focal point of their home, and at the entrance, a Rangoli was intricately designed to welcome Ganapati Bappa. Each day, Anand and Shweta performed the morning and evening aarti with heartfelt devotion, offering different prasads to Ganesha and singing bhajans to the rhythmic beats of the kinnaram. The house echoed with joyful chants of prayers, as friends and neighbours joined the celebrations.
As the days passed, the festival of Onam /Niraputhari began to intertwine with their Ganesh celebrations. Onam, the joyous festival marking the homecoming of King Mahabali and the harvest season in Kerala, brought a new wave of festivity. Shweta meticulously designed a vibrant pookalam—a floral rangoli symbolizing joy and prosperity—at their doorstep, featuring intricate patterns inspired by Kerala’s traditional art form, Kathakali.
To honour Onam’s spirit, they hosted a grand feast—an elaborate sadhya with dishes like avial, olan, sambar, and sweet payasam. Friends and family gathered, sharing laughter and stories over the banana-leaf meal, relishing the flavours of Kerala.
As the children danced to the beats of both the dhol and the chenda, Anand and Shweta exchanged a knowing smile. Their parents realized their children were growing up with the best of both worlds—imbibing their Keralite roots’ richness while embracing Mumbai’s inclusive spirit. In this vibrant city, Ganesh Chaturthi and Onam were no longer separate traditions; they had merged into a shared celebration of unity, joy, and cultural diversity.
Mumbai had given them the gift of honouring their heritage while wholeheartedly participating in the city’s collective spirit- a true reflection of what it means to be both of Mumbaikkar and a Keralite
