Shivani
Bollywood actress Richa Chadha recently celebrated Onam in a special way this year by visiting Kerala’s Gurupuram Sree Maha Vishnu Temple with her daughter, Zuneyra. The actress visited the temple with a meaningful purpose: to gift a life-size mechanical elephant, Gurupuram Arjunan, to the temple.
Actress Richa Chadha’s gesture was highlighted in a joint Instagram post with PETA India, which shared details of the thoughtful initiative. The mother-daughter duo marked the festive occasion together, making their Onam celebration memorable while supporting an initiative aimed at offering a compassionate alternative to the use of real elephants.
Traditional Music, Dance and Devotion Mark the Special Onam Ceremony
Dressed in a traditional white-and-gold sari, the mother stood beside her daughter, who wore a traditional Onam outfit, posing before the elephant. The actor attended the ceremony personally and participated in the unveiling of Gurupuram Arjunan. The event also featured a traditional Chenda Melam performance and a Thiruvathira dance, adding to the festive celebrations and creating a vibrant atmosphere.
Richa Chadha Embraces Onam Traditions with Daughter Zuneyra
Speaking about being part of the special Onam celebrations, Richa shared: “It was a very special feeling to be here in person and celebrate Onam in such a beautiful and culturally rich setting. To be there with my daughter made it even more special. To see her enjoy the festivities, colours and immerse her in the traditions felt truly special. We got a special Onam dress made for her to be dressed for the occasion. Our festivals, traditions are such an integral part of who we are. I believe that embracing our culture also means understanding how we can carry these traditions forward with greater compassion, with the aid of technology. There is something beautiful about witnessing a tradition being preserved that too, in a kinder and more thoughtful way of celebrating it.”
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She further added, “Onam is a festival that celebrates togetherness, abundance, gratitude and the spirit of community. Celebrations should always include compassion. Elephants are such magnificent and intelligent beings, these large mammals are highly social. They deserve to live freely in their natural environment with their kind. I am truly grateful that this temple, its trustees agreed to this magnificent present. I am sure it will become a local attraction!
For me, this was not simply about presenting an elephant to a temple; it was about being part of a cultural celebration, experiencing the warmth of the people, eating Onam Sadhya with them here and contributing in a small way to something that can have a larger impact. I hope more people see that tradition and compassion do not have to be at odds with each other. We can celebrate our festivals, honour our customs and still make choices that are kinder to animals. I feel grateful to have been able to witness this moment and to celebrate Onam in such a meaningful way.”
Temple President Kunhiraman Ayyangav, General Secretary K.K. Ram, Treasurer Rajeevan, K. Savithri, 2026 Kerala State Farm Award recipient Karshakathilakam, and devotees joined the joyful festivities, adding to the celebrations with their presence and enthusiasm.
Richa Chadha’s Work Front
Richa Chadha was last seen in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s period drama Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, which streamed on Netflix India. Following her maternity break, the actress has signed a new comedy written by Amitosh Nagpal. The film, set in North India, promises to be a fun-filled entertainer and is expected to begin filming soon.
Her upcoming projects include producing and starring in the dramedy Akhri Somvaar, which she also wrote, highlighting societal pressure on women to marry. She will also make her international debut with the Indo-British drama Aaina, marking a new career milestone.