Traditional Malayali Birthdays

by Savitri
(Alleppey, Kerala, India)

We are a close knit family consisting of my grandparents, parents, my brother and myself. We belong to the Nair community in Kerala, India, and I would like to share with you our unique birthday customs.

Following the local tradition, in the morning I visit the temple to pray that the following year would be a blessed one for me.

A special floral offering is made to the Gods to propitiate their favors and to cast off any evil influences that may have accumulated over the past one year. All the members of the family then give me the gifts that they had chosen for my birthday.

In the afternoon there is a get-together of the extended family. Traditionally we put together a floral motif in the yard in the front of the house. Special care is taken to ensure that flowers of many different colors are plucked to create intricate geometric patterns to complete making the motif.

This display of flowers in the traditional style depicts the bond of relationship within the members of the family. This is followed by a session of song and dance in which all the members of the family participate wholeheartedly.

After the festivities are concluded, a hot meal is served on banana leaves with ten different dishes. The highlight of the meal is the kheer (a sweet dish made out of milk, rice and sugar) that is served at the end of the meal.

These are the special events that are held to celebrate my birthday.