My 2024 ammavaru

Each year, as I meticulously plan how my ammavaru should look, my ideas become more ambitious and grander. Inspiration flows, and before I realize it, the project grows larger than expected, and the panic sets in. This year, with the new laser cutting machine my friends purchased, I felt inspired to take things up a notch. We ended up creating a carved door, a peacock throne, and intricate laser-cut motifs. It’s as if she knew I needed extra help because she sent an army of hands to support me. This year, my Ammavaru arrived in all her glory, turning it into a true shared celebration with everyone helping to put her together.

Sources

The backdrop

See my DIY blog post for the details of this beautiful backdrop

The peacock throne

The peacock throne is a mixed-media DIY project and a true labor of love. It came to life through the efforts of many helping hands and endless nights. Built on a laser-cut MDF peacock panel, we layered it with pearls, beads, kundans, and ornaments to achieve the regal look I envisioned. It was no easy feat—countless hours of gluing and assembling went into it—but the result was worth every bit of effort. I couldn’t be more proud with how it turned out.

My ammavaru in all her glory

With the rest of the décor coming together beautifully, my Ammavaru had to shine in all her glory—and she truly did. Sometimes, I feel like she’s the one orchestrating it all, guiding how everything falls into place. After days of intensive prep, I was exhausted and unsure if I had the energy left to dress her up the way I had envisioned. But somehow, she gave me the strength to see it through. She looked radiant—my beautiful goddess—and I’m deeply grateful to have the ability to pour all my love into this offering. Every year, seeing her like this feels surreal, like being in the presence of a divine energy. And here she is… my ammavaru.