Vanitha Magazine - Authentic Journeys

Onam with an American Touch
The article featured in this PDF is an expat interview of Jennifer
Kumar, an American living in Kerala, married to a Malayalee.
Originally published in the Malayalam magazine, Vanitha, this
document details the Malayalam version followed by the English
translation.
Jennifer shared this feature with another foreigner living in
India. Start reading the Malayalam version from the middle of
the next page. Continue reading the English translation starting
from page 4.
More about Jennifer at www.authenticjourneys.info
Onam with an American Touch
(English translation of a Malayalam article published in Vanitha Magazine,
September 15, 2013. Translation by BN Kartha and Anjana Warren. Original
Malayalam article written by Chaithralakshmi.)
Every Onam brings fond memories of banana chips, feasts and floral
arrangements (pookkalams) for Jennifer. Jennifer Kumar, who is a
native of the US, eagerly awaits the festival of Onam every year just like
any Malayali. It's been years since Onam celebrations have been a part
of Jennifer, wife of Krishna Kumar, who is a native of Ernakulam.
Jennifer currently runs an establishment named ‘ Authentic Journeys’ at
InfoPark, Ernakulam where she imparts valuable information as well as
training to her Indian clients on American culture, language and
etiquette. However, Jennifer's encounter with Onam happened way
before she got acquainted with 'the Queen of the Arabian Sea' (Kochi).
“My family migrated from Hungary to the United States”, says Jennifer.
“I was born and raised in the US, I came to know about Madras
Christian College, Chennai through my Indian friends in the US and
decided to enroll for MSW course there. There were many students
from various other countries along with me at that college.”
“I experienced Onam at first hand during my college days there. My
Malayali classmates made preparations for Onam at the campus during
the month of Chingam (August- September). Observing my curiosity
about the festival, they invited me to participate in the celebrations and
floral arrangements”.
“A friend adorned in a Kerala sari and jasmine flowers in her hair
narrated to me the story of Onam. This is the day King Mahabali came
once a year to visit his subjects. At the feast I was amazed by the
variety of food displayed. Being a person who is used to eating Pasta or
Macaroni, the huge spread appeared extremely fascinating and quite
perplexing. I knew my friends were enjoying my predicament.”
More about Jennifer at www.authenticjourneys.info
“'Thanksgiving' in the US that is observed during the last week of
November is similar to Onam. All family members gather for dinner that
day. However the menu will be mostly non-vegetarian, roast turkey
being the main dish”. Jennifer added.
While celebrating my first Onam with all its splendor, I've never, even in
my wildest dreams, thought that I would marry a Malayali in the future.
It is truly an exceptional experience to celebrate Onam in 'the land of
Onam.’
“After finishing my Masters from Chennai, I went back to the US and
started working as a social worker. It was during those days that I
became acquainted with Krishna Kumar through my Indian friends. The
friendship matured into love. I didn't hesitate at all in accepting an
Indian as my life partner, after all I have started thinking of India as my
second home during my days in Chennai. We were married in the US
following the traditional Hindu rites and I became Jennifer Kumar. I
have learned how to cook Kerala cuisine and began to learn more about
Kerala.”
IN THE LAND OF ONAM –
“Following our marriage, we lived in the US for a few years. During
those days we used to take part in the celebrations organized by the
Malayali Association there. To be honest, I enjoyed the festivities there
more than here in Kerala. It was fun wearing Kerala Saris, making floral
arrangements, taking part in cultural activities and feasts. Every Onam
there was indeed memorable.”
More about Jennifer at www.authenticjourneys.info
“Being a vegetarian, I have a special liking for feasts with spicy food –
Puliyinji used to be my favorite dish. I learned how to make Rasam,
Sambar and other dishes, but really do not know the names of many
items. I would love to learn how to make all Kerala dishes. Preparing
Kerala dishes is time consuming, in the US we generally consume ready
to cook foods; even fruits and vegetables are cut and cleaned and
packed ready for consumption.”
“The most exciting experience to me about Onam is making the floral
arrangements. Every year I try and make different floral arrangements
–it is a fusion of Kerala and American styles, pretty much similar to my
life. It usually has some art decor from Kerala along with an American
cartoon character.”
It's my desire to own a business that prompted me to start ‘Authentic
Journeys.’ When my husband Krishna Kumar got a job as Manager in an
establishment in InfoPark, we moved to Kerala and started a new life
here. Though a native of Mattancherry, KrIshna Kumar grew up in
Delhi. Living in Kochi is a new experience for both of us. I used to work
from home, it hasn't been long since I moved to InfoPark.”
I was born in a place called Rochester in the US – a small town away
from the bustles of the city, there were not many houses in the area
either. I am fascinated by the fast paced life in Kochi. Even though there
are many busy cities in the US, compared to the small town where I
come from, Kochi is indeed a big city.
There is an element of awe in the eyes of Malayalis when they see me
in settu mundu or sari. While I was studying in Chennai, wearing a sari
was mandatory, that is how I learned the art of wearing saris. I like both
saris and Western outfits. My Malayali friends are surprised when I say
that wearing a sari is comfortable. However, I am still considered a
'foreign lady' even by the people who see me on a regular basis. May
be, I'll have to deal with this attitude as long as I stay here. I dream of a
day when they realize that this land is as much mine as it is theirs.
More about Jennifer at www.authenticjourneys.info