The Mundanad house is a cherished family treasure, one that holds and preserves stories, memories and moments of a plethora of generations. Constructed by my maternal great-granduncle Neelakandan, this house became the inheritance of my great-grandmother Bhargavi following the division of family land. Subsequently, it found its way into the hands of my grandmother, Kartiyaiyini, ensuring the continued preservation of its rich history.

Indira Nair, my Amma (mother), reminisces growing up in the surrounding homes on the family land before moving into the Mundanad house at the age of 13. She reflects on an era where the concept of distinct spaces or rooms was absent, emphasizing a sense of belonging to every house. Amma, along with her seven siblings, thrived and grew amongst the extended family, residing in homes that shared the grounds with the Mundanad house. Nights were spent together on the floor in the communal halls, fostering a close-knit family bond.

Every Sunday at the break of dawn, my mother, Amma, engaged in the tradition of Pongala alongside her Ammachi (aunt) in the garden area. Reflecting on her childhood, she notes that most moments were infused with discipline, instilling in her the profound joy of nurturing a family, particularly as the eldest girl in the household. She was considered a harbinger of good fortune Over time, all of Amma’s siblings, including her, married and moved away from the Mundanad house. The house, a silent witness to numerous life events, has witnessed births, deaths, marriages, reunions, graduations, celebrations, and various renovations..