How a surprise lunch and a chaat dinner reminded me that belonging isn’t about festivals — it’s about being invited.
I don’t usually celebrate Onam. Not in any special way.
We did have sadya when we were in India — and we celebrated Pongal, Vishu, Deepavali, and others too. But since moving to the UK, it’s become less about the festival and more about what fits: time, availability, convenience.
So when I realised I’d missed it again — this year — I didn’t mind. It was just another Sunday.
Then came the message:
“You’re invited for Onam lunch this Sunday. No pressure. Just come.”
From a friend of my husband’s — someone I’d known for a long time.
I hesitated. I didn’t know any of the other invitees.
But I went.
The sadya was laid out — kerala-style, with care. We ate. We talked. No expectations. Just a meal, and a moment.
Later, I went to Jagruti’s for chaat — a different kind of comfort. We sat at the table, laughed, and swapped stories.
“Sometimes, the best way to feel at home is to eat something that reminds you of someone else’s kitchen.”
And that’s when it hit:
Belonging isn’t about rituals. It’s about being invited.
We went to look for the blood moon — but only caught twilight. No eclipse. No grand moment.
But it didn’t matter.
Sometimes, the quietest moments are the ones that stay.
Next up in the series: Part 4 – Sustainable Heating & Cooling in Lund