Beyond Celebration: Kannur Residents Use Onam Flower Sales to Save Student’s Life

As Onam preparations gather pace, residents of Chala in Kannur have turned a festive tradition into a community mission, using flower sales and payasam stalls to raise money for the kidney transplant of a Class 11 student. The initiative has brought youngsters, traders and residents together, putting compassion ahead of commercial interests.

Sreedevina, a Class 11 student at Chala Higher Secondary School, is suffering from severe kidney disease and requires dialysis three times a week. Her family faces an estimated expense of around ₹30 lakh for her kidney transplant and follow-up treatment, prompting the formation of a local committee to mobilise financial support.

The youth group ‘Chala Changs’ has joined hands with residents and traders to lead the fundraising campaign. As part of the initiative, flowers worth around ₹2.5 lakh were brought from Karnataka and other places and sold through stalls at different locations in Chala.

Unlike a conventional seasonal business, the organisers have decided that the entire collection from the flower sales, rather than just the profit, will be directed towards Sreedevina’s treatment. Basheer, a member of Chala Changs, said the group had set aside its commercial interests this year for the sake of the student.

The campaign has expanded beyond flower sales, with payasam also being sold to raise funds. More stalls are being opened across Chala and other parts of Kannur, while youngsters and residents are taking turns to manage them. Organisers have appealed to people travelling through the area and others to support the cause by purchasing flowers, buying payasam or contributing directly to the treatment fund.

The effort has also emerged as a symbol of community unity, with residents stressing that caste, religion and politics have not come in the way of their common objective—to help save a young girl’s life. Some residents have reportedly expressed willingness to donate a kidney, though any such donation would have to follow Kerala’s authorised medical and legal transplant procedures.

The campaign carries particular significance during Onam, when flowers are central to pookkalam celebrations and payasam is a traditional festive delicacy. In Chala, these symbols of celebration have been transformed into instruments of hope.

With more stalls being established and community participation growing, organisers hope to raise enough support to ensure Sreedevina receives proper treatment and can celebrate Onam with the community next year. What began as a seasonal flower sale has become a powerful expression of humanity, solidarity and the deeper spirit of Onam.